Common Injuries in Children and When Should You Hire a Child Injury Attorney

Childhood is filled with running around, jumping and having fun. However, those activities often bring scrapes and bumps, which are easy to deal with. Sometimes, an injury can be more than a bruise or scrape. In these moments, parents should recognize whether an incident may need a closer look and, sometimes, even a call to a child injury attorney. Now, let’s get into the types of injuries kids tend to experience when the services of a lawyer might become necessary and how you can protect your child.

Everyday Injuries Kids Encounter

Accidents happen, especially with kids. Whether they’re climbing up a tree or zipping down a hill, children are naturally prone to minor injuries. But some are more common than others and range from harmless to serious.

Falls and Playground Accidents

Consider all the ways children can fall—off playground equipment, out of trees, even tripping on the sidewalk. Falls are one of the leading causes of injury in children. While most falls end with bumps, bruises, or scrapes, sometimes they lead to broken bones or head injuries that require immediate medical attention.

Vehicle and Pedestrian Accidents

People are in danger while riding a bike, crossing the street, and even sitting in the car. Although other injuries, like bruises and abrasions, are more common, car accidents result in more serious injuries, such as fractures and head injuries. These types of injuries are, for the most part, life-changing and require a great deal of medical and follow-up care.

Burns and Scalds

Burns can occur instantly with hot stoves, steaming tea, or even from the summer sun. Although most burns heal with minimal scarring, more serious ones are severe enough to merit treatment, including skin grafts or care in specialized burn units. Scalds from hot liquids are common among young children and can result in lifelong scars.

Animal Bites and Attacks

Dogs may be a child’s best friend, but more than we care to think, animal bites occur. Ranging from neighbor dogs to stray animals, these may cause infection or scarring and sometimes even emotional trauma for the child involved.

When Should You Consider Hiring a Child Injury Attorney?

So, where does an injury go from “let’s keep an eye on it” to “maybe we need legal help”? Here are a few scenarios where reaching out to an attorney could make all the difference.

Serious or Long-Term Injuries

If your child has a non-improving injury or one that will require prolonged treatment, physical therapy, or surgeries, it may be appropriate to contact an attorney. Severe, long-standing injuries can be very expensive not only medically but sometimes emotionally as well. An attorney can help you work through the possibility of alleviating some of the financial burden.

Hazardous Conditions or Negligence

Did someone else’s negligence cause the accident? Is your child injured by a faulty playground or a hazard in a public place? If these situations involve negligence or unsafe conditions, legal intervention may be one option to make the parties responsible answerable. Also, you should consider where the hazard occurred and in which state. For example, if you are in Kentucky, you should find a local attorney to help you. If the injury occurs, a Kentucky child injury attorney can protect you and your child while helping you navigate through the legal process. 

Insurance and Medical Costs

Has the insurance company made a low-ball settlement or refused to pay for costs promptly? Not every insurance company makes it easy, and often, they try to rush through a payout that does not fully honor medical needs. In cases where you are being treated unfairly or receiving low compensation, an attorney can help prevent you from being left holding the bill.

Abuse or Intentional Harm

If your child was hurt on purpose by someone, whether a caregiver, bully, or other, then you need to call an attorney. Abuse and bullying cases are tricky, but such are those cases that really must ensure accountability for not causing more damage.

Signs It’s Time to Make That Call

But how do you know when it is time to make the call? Let’s examine a few indicators.

• Medical bills don’t stop. Extended treatments or surgeries are costly. Legal assistance might unlock the gates for fair compensation if you are stuck with unbearable expenses.

• The insurance company is giving you the runaround. Whether you are in a circle of lowball offers, delayed responses, or refused claims, it is time to seek help from a professional.

• There’s an issue of liability. Sometimes, nobody knows who is responsible or who should pay for what. An attorney can help you work out liability issues and ensure your child’s needs are met.

• You notice nobody is taking any responsibility for the occurrence of the accident or incident. If some entity, like a school or business, isn’t taking responsibility for unsafe conditions leading to the incident, it might be a good idea to consult someone who may argue on your behalf.

How a Child Injury Attorney Can Help

A child injury attorney does much more than sort out the law. They are your advocate and work to make your child’s best interests their first priority.

Determining If You Have a Case and Who’s at Fault

Lawyers first analyze your case and determine who is liable. They will know what questions to ask and can find potential liability where it may not be as apparent. This is very useful if multiple parties could be liable, such as in a vehicle accident or public space injury.

Building a Strong Case

Evidence is the backbone of any case, and it can be very challenging to collect. This is where attorneys take over the collection of medical records, statements from the witnesses present, and any other evidence that might prove your claim. They take care of the legwork so you can invest as much time as possible in helping your child recover.

Going to Court if Needed

Most cases are settled out of court, but should there be the need for a trial, then an attorney would represent you all the way through. This becomes even more comforting if the situation should become complex or adversarial.

Closing Words

Parenting is complicated enough, and adding to that list a decision on whether or not you should hire a child injury attorney is unnecessary. Consulting an attorney can give you clarity and options if you are dealing with severe injuries, frustrating insurance claims, or questions about responsibility. After all, it is about your child’s health and well-being, and sometimes it takes having someone in your corner to ensure they get all the support they may need.