A Brief Summary of the Following Page
- Vulnerability: Children’s innate curiosity and lack of danger awareness can lead to a variety of accidents, necessitating vigilance and preventive measures in child-friendly environments to mitigate risks.
- Diverse Accidents: Common child injury claims include playground and school-related injuries, automobile and swimming pool accidents, dog bites, product liabilities, burns, and falls, underscoring the breadth of potential dangers.
- Recoverable Damages: Economic damages cover medical expenses and potential lost earning capacity, while non-economic damages compensate for pain, suffering, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life, highlighting the comprehensive scope of potential recovery.
- Legal Support: Callahan & Blaine specializes in representing child injury cases, providing experienced counsel to navigate the complexities of claims and ensure comprehensive compensation for the physical, emotional, and financial toll on the child and their family.
- Call one of our child injury lawyers today at 714-241-4444 or fill out a contact form for a consultation.
When children suffer injuries, whether through accidents at school, in public places or due to defective products, the emotional and financial strain can be immense for parents and guardians. Children are not held to the same standards of care as adults, and the law typically offers additional protections to account for their vulnerability. For example, filing deadlines may be extended for minors, giving families more time to seek justice and compensation.
From playground accidents and car collisions to medical malpractice and others, the lawyers at Callahan & Blaine are prepared to provide counsel on your best legal options and fight to ensure your injured child receives adequate compensation for their medical bills, rehabilitation costs, emotional distress, and any future implications of their injuries. We understand the sensitivity and urgency of these cases and will work tirelessly to support the child’s recovery and well-being.
Types of Child Injury Claims We Handle at Callahan & Blaine
Unfortunately, children’s natural curiosity and lack of awareness about dangers can lead to accidents that cause serious injuries. Child injury claims often arise from a variety of situations, highlighting the need for constant vigilance and preventive measures in environments where children are present.
The following are common accidents that lead to child injury claims:
- Playground Accidents: These can involve falls from playground equipment, injuries from defective or poorly maintained equipment, or accidents due to lack of proper supervision.
- School-Related Injuries: Injuries occurring on school premises or during school-related activities can include slip-and-falls, sports injuries, playground incidents, or accidents during transportation.
- Automobile Accidents: Children are vulnerable passengers and can suffer injuries in car accidents, pedestrian accidents, or while riding bicycles.
- Swimming Pool Accidents: These tragic accidents range from slip-and-falls on wet surfaces to more severe cases such as drowning or near-drowning incidents, often resulting from inadequate supervision or poorly maintained facilities.
- Dog Bites and Animal Attacks: Children are at a higher risk of being bitten or attacked by animals, particularly dogs, due to their small size and tendency to provoke animals unintentionally.
- Product Liability: Defective toys, unsafe cribs, car seats, and other products designed for children can lead to serious injuries or death, resulting in claims against manufacturers and retailers.
- Burns Injuries: These can occur at home or in public places and are often the result of hot water, open flames, or contact with hot objects.
- Falls: Whether from windows, stairs, or other heights, falls are a common cause of injuries among children, reflecting the need for protective measures in homes and public areas.
If your child was injured in an accident due to someone else’s negligence, seek experienced legal representation at Callahan & Blaine to navigate the complexities of a child injury claim effectively, ensuring your child receives the dedicated legal support necessary to recover the full extent of the compensation they deserve.
Recoverable Damages in a Successful Child Injury Case
In the unfortunate event that a child is injured due to another’s negligence or an intentional act, the law provides avenues for seeking compensation to support the child’s recovery and future needs. The recoverable damages in a successful child injury case can be substantial, covering a wide range of both economic and non-economic losses.
Economic damages are the tangible financial costs associated with the injury, which can be quantified and proven with bills and records:
- Medical Expenses: Covers past, present, and future medical care related to injuries, including hospital stays, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and any specialized equipment or modifications needed for recovery.
- Lost Earning Capacity: Although children may not have an income, serious injuries can affect their ability to earn in the future. Compensation can account for this potential loss, considering the severity of the injuries and the expected impact on the child’s future earning potential.
Non-economic damages are intangible and more complex to quantify, but they are no less real in terms of the impact on the child’s and family’s lives:
- Pain and Suffering: Compensates for the physical pain and emotional distress suffered by the child due to the injury. This includes trauma, anxiety, depression, and the loss of enjoyment of life activities the child can no longer participate in because of the injury.
- Loss of Quality of Life: Addresses the impact of the injury on the child’s ability to lead a normal life, including permanent disabilities or disfigurements that affect the child’s social interactions, hobbies, and overall enjoyment of life.
- Emotional Distress: Specifically compensates for the psychological impact on the child and, in some cases, the family, including anxiety, fear, and the trauma associated with the accident and its aftermath.
In cases where the opposing party’s actions or inactions were particularly reckless or egregious, punitive damages may be awarded not as compensation for losses but as a punishment to the wrongdoer and a deterrent against future harmful actions.
Speak With the Child Injury Lawyers at Callahan & Blaine
The aftermath of an accident involving a child can be an incredibly challenging experience for any family. The physical, psychological, and financial burden can be immense. If your child has been injured due to negligence or a defective product, you may have legal options available to seek justice and financial recovery for damages. The skilled attorneys at Callahan & Blaine are experienced in handling the most complex child injury claims and are dedicated to providing compassionate and comprehensive legal representation.
With a proven track record of successful settlement and verdicts for clients in Orange County and surrounding areas, we have the resources and experience to fight for the best possible outcome for your child’s future. Call one of our child injury lawyers today at 714-241-4444 or fill out a contact form for a consultation.
