Orland Park Child Injury Lawyer

Kids are curious and do not have the life experience they need to understand that some things could cause them severe harm. They are also active and can fall or get into other minor accidents that cause them injuries.

If a person’s carelessness caused your little one to get in an accident, you could be eligible to collect compensation to address the costs of their medical care and emotional trauma. Call an Orland Park child injury lawyer to learn more and begin setting up your claim. A compassionate personal injury attorney understands the seriousness of this situation and could be a valuable asset when you are seeking justice.

Common Accidents in Child Injury Cases

Civil lawsuits occur after a child sustains injuries because of someone else’s negligent acts. The defendant may be a babysitter, educator, business owner, or a reckless motorist. Some of the most common accidents that cause child injury lawsuits include:

  • Vehicle collisions of all types
  • Dog bites and animal attacks
  • Toxic chemicals leading to poisoning
  • Burns from a fire, stove, or boiling water
  • Choking or accidental strangulation from toys, clothes, or jewelry
  • Crush injuries from tipping furniture
  • Pool accidents and drowning
  • Daycare or school playground or bus accidents

An Orland Park child injury attorney could investigate to find the cause of the event, evidence that proves it, and the liable party who should be named in the suit.

Damages in Child Injury Cases

After the plaintiff proves the defendant is liable for the damages, the court will calculate the award amount, considering various factors. The judge or jury will consider the extent of the defendant’s negligence and the severity of the damages. They will also consider how the injuries will affect the child in the long run. The settlement in child injury cases often includes:

  • Medical expenses and ongoing care
  • Lost enjoyment of life
  • Pain and suffering, and mental and emotional anguish

If a parent must miss time from work or quit their job to care for the child, they could also recover damages to cover the loss of salary and future earning potential.

The Attractive Nuisance Doctrine

The attractive nuisance doctrine falls within premises liability legislation and these cases result from a child sustaining injuries after accessing their property. Property owners rarely owe trespassers a duty of care when they are adults. Yet, the laws differ for children under certain circumstances.

According to the 740 Illinois Compiled Statutes § 130, property owners must maintain the premises by completing regular maintenance and upkeep to ensure the property is hazard free. That includes securing their property, especially if they have something that attracts children to the premises.

Examples of attractive nuisances on a premise include swimming pools, discarded appliances, and trampolines. A knowledgeable child injury lawyer in Orland Park could investigate to determine if a negligent property owner might be considered at-fault for the accident.

Meet With an Orland Park Child Injury Attorney

Children are their parents’ most valued treasure and protecting them is most important. Watching your child suffer for any reason is heart-wrenching, but it can flip your entire life upside down when they sustain severe (and costly) injuries because of someone else’s negligence.

If the negligence of a caregiver or other person caused your child to get hurt, you have the right to request damages. A settlement could cover your losses and allow you to move forward with raising your child. Call an experienced Orland Park child injury lawyer to discuss your case and schedule an appointment.