Philly Parents: What to Do When Your Child Faces an Unexpected Injury

It’s every parent’s worst nightmare. A car accident, a playground or sports issue, a defective product: No matter the source, the result is that your beloved child is now suffering from a serious injury. 

Most parents would rather suffer injuries themselves than let harm come to their child. When your child is injured, all your protective instincts come out. Fear, anger, compassion, and other strong feelings fill your mind and body. These feelings exist to help you protect your child – but they can also make it hard to decide what to do next. 

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. The experienced personal injury lawyers at MyPhillyLawyer can help you think through your options and take strong steps to protect your child. Here are several important things to keep in mind when a child is injured.

Can Children Get Compensation For Injuries From an Accident?

Children have the right, under Pennsylvania law, to pursue and receive compensation for their injuries. Like adults, children can seek and receive compensation for losses like:

• Medical bills,
• Long-term medical needs, if their injuries require ongoing care,
• Loss of earning power, if their injuries will prevent them from working in certain jobs (or working at all) in the future,
• Physical pain and suffering,
• Emotional and mental distress, and
• Permanent disability or disfigurement. 

Pennsylvania law recognizes that children deserve to hold negligent actors accountable when negligence causes injuries. Yet, the law also recognizes that children aren’t yet equipped to navigate the complex adult world of lawsuits on their own. 

Instead, a child’s parent or guardian must initiate a personal injury claim or eventually start a lawsuit on the child’s behalf. The parent or guardian handles the proceedings, often with the help of an experienced personal injury attorney. 

Is There a Time Limit For a Personal Injury Claim for a Minor? 

In injury cases involving adults, an injured person typically has two years from the date of injury to file a personal injury claim in Pennsylvania. Children cannot file a claim without an adult’s help.

To prevent children from losing their right to file, Pennsylvania law doesn’t start the two-year clock until the child’s 18th birthday. This gives minors a chance to bring their claim, even if a parent or guardian doesn’t do it for them. 

Although the time limits are different, it’s best to file the claim as soon as possible. The sooner a claim is filed, the easier it is to preserve evidence and build a strong case for compensation. Pennsylvania law requires a personal injury settlement for a child to be approved by the court. The court reviews a settlement agreement to make sure it is in the child’s best interest, and that compensation is fair and appropriate.

With an experienced Philadelphia kid injury attorney’s help, you can evaluate settlement offers to determine if they are fair, appropriate, and in your child’s best interest. You’ll be prepared for a settlement hearing and ready to protect your child’s needs, now and in the future. 

How to Protect Your Child’s Legal Rights After A Philly Accident

When your feelings urge you to act, waiting for the legal process can feel impossible. Fortunately, there are steps you can take right now to help protect your child’s right to full, fair compensation for their injuries. 

• Get your child medical attention as soon as possible. Take your child to all medical appointments and follow the doctor’s instructions at home.
• Keep copies of all paperwork related to your child’s injury. Doctor’s notes, medical bills, accident reports, photographs, and more. This information can help establish your child’s need for compensation. 

If you notice significant changes in your child’s abilities or behavior, keep a journal. Note what your child could do before and compare it to what they can do now. Store copies of all your records in a safe place. Finally, reach out to an experienced lawyer. An attorney can answer your questions and give you personalized recommendations on additional steps to take. 

Contact a Philadelphia Personal Injury Lawyer For Injuries After A Car Wreck Today

Several recent Philadelphia news reports underscore the importance of protecting children’s legal rights after an injury. For instance, a West Philadelphia hit-and-run crash recently left a nine-year-old boy injured. A collision between a fire truck and an SUV left two children with injuries. Although MyPhillyLawyer was not directly involved in this particular case, it is an example of how serious a car accident can leave impacting injuries for a young child. 

If your child has been harmed, take steps to protect their legal rights. Talk to a compassionate, knowledgeable Philadelphia injury lawyer today. The team at MyPhillyLawyer is here to help. Contact us today at (215) 227-2727 or through our online form.