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As a parent, there are few events cause as much anxiety or grief as seeing your child injured and in pain. When your child’s injury could have been avoided, were it not for someone’s failure to adhere to their legal duty of care, this angst is compounded. However, in such situations, it may be possible to launch a legal claim for compensation against any liable parties involved, whether they be an individual, a private business, or even a public entity.
If you believe that your child’s injury resulted from negligence, do not delay promptly contacting an Indianapolis child injury lawyer. A compassionate personal injury attorney with in-depth knowledge of the laws governing these particular matters could examine the conditions surrounding your child’s injury and what compensation may be recoverable.
Child injury claims can stem from many different sources of negligence. Common causes of severe child injuries include playground incidents, amusement park accidents, pool accidents, and defective products such as toys or medications.
Child injuries can also stem from hazardous conditions on personal or private property, animal attacks, or auto accidents, to name several other common examples. An attorney in Indianapolis could identify and pursue justice from any parties that may bear legal liability in a child injury case.
Under the state’s laws, there are several types of compensation that an Indianapolis attorney could help the claimant pursue in a successful child injury case. These could include economic, non-economic, and, potentially, punitive damages. Economic damages are the defined financial losses that arise in a child injury claim. These could include the former and ongoing costs of the child’s medical care, therapy, and rehabilitation, as well as the child’s lost earning ability in the future due to any long-lasting or permanent harm.
Meanwhile, non-economic damages refer to less tangible but equally devastating losses associated with a child’s injury. These could include mental distress, physical and emotional pain and suffering, emotional anguish, and diminished ability to enjoy life to the fullest. Finally, while punitive damages are not available in all child injury cases, the courts may sometimes assess that further punishment of the defendant is warranted due to egregious or even intentional negligence.
Bear in mind that while the overarching statutory limit for personal injury cases is two years as laid out under Indiana Code § 34-11-2-4, the law affords more time to individuals injured as minors. As such, the two-year filing period may not begin until the child reaches adulthood, giving them two years from their 18th birthday to initiate a formal claim. The circumstances leading to the child’s injury and the liable parties involved can also affect the ultimate filing deadline. Therefore, it is wise for any interested parties, be that a parent or the injured child who has recently come of age, to discuss any potential claim with an attorney.
As you try to grapple with the aftermath of your child’s injury, know that you do not need to face the complexities of the legal system alone. An Indianapolis child injury lawyer could manage all aspects of your case so you can focus on your family’s health and recovery.
An attorney from McCready Law could work tirelessly to see that any individual or entity contributing to your child’s injury answers for it through a civil claim for compensation. Call today to speak with a member of our team and learn more about what legal courses of action may be available to you.