Financial Compensation For A Child Injured In An Auto Accident
by Kenneth Pierce
Any auto accident has the potential to result in injuries. This is especially true is young children are in the car at the time of the accident.
A child can sustain serious injuries as a result of a collision, but the child doesn't have the ability to seek legal recourse on his or her own behalf. This means that parents are usually responsible for helping ensure their child receives the financial compensation they deserve after being injured in an auto accident.
The Next Friend Role
Most personal injury claims are filed by the injured party directly. The exception to this rule is when a child is the injured party. The legal system does not allow minors to file lawsuits in court. Instead, an individual referred to as a "next friend" must file on the child's behalf.
There is no legal proceeding required to be appointed a child's next friend, so you can take immediate action to file a lawsuit seeking damages for your child's injuries.
Statute of Limitations
All lawsuits are governed by a statute of limitations. This is the time frame in which an injured party can legally file a claim to seek financial compensation against the person or persons responsible for causing said injuries.
The statute of limitations can be tricky when the injured person is a minor. In most states, the statute of limitations doesn't begin until the minor turns 18. This means that you will have plenty of time to seek financial recourse after you have dedicated yourself to helping your child recover from any injuries he or she sustained in an auto accident.
Damages
The primary purpose of a personal injury lawsuit is to prove that the injured party's life has been negatively affected, or damaged, in some way. Damages are awarded for many things. These can include loss of enjoyment, pain and suffering, and therapy or rehabilitation services.
Some types of damages might not affect a child directly, like the loss of wages or mounting medical costs. Even though a personal injury lawsuit is filed on behalf of a child, a parent may be awarded financial compensation in a settlement agreement for the ways a child's injuries have negatively affected the parents' lives.
Auto accidents should always be taken seriously. If your child has sustained injuries in a collision, contact an experienced personal injury attorney to explore your options for legal recourse on behalf of your child in the future.
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About Me
As the sister of a law student, I thought that I could handle my own personal injury case when I was hit by a vehicle as I was walking across the street. Luckily, the car wasn't going very fast – but I did end up with a contusion and a broken leg. Turns out the process wasn't easy and I ended up hiring a lawyer. I learned a lot about the kind of information needed to win a personal injury case such as the kind of evidence that is effective and the types of documentation needed from the insurance company, employers, and even witnesses that were at the scene. My name is Rebecca, and I created this website to help guide you through your personal injury case. There is no reason for you to feel alone throughout the process, and I hope my insight helps you feel more empowered with your decision making.
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