My Child Was Injured, Should I Hire an Attorney?
No parent wants to imagine a situation where their child is hurt in an accident, but the stats show that one in five kids die in the US because of an unintentional injury. More than 7,000 kids died in 2019 alone, which equates to 20 deaths per day.
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When a child is injured, it’s traumatic for everyone. The immediate priority is ensuring the child receives the necessary medical attention and care. However, once the initial shock has faded, parents may be left wondering whether they should hire a personal injury attorney to help navigate the legal and financial elements of the incident.
Understanding the Situation
Before considering hiring an attorney, it’s important to understand the specifics of the incident that led to your child’s injury. Was it the result of an accident, negligence, or a deliberate act? If your child stumbled and hit their head at a friend’s house, it’s horrible but not necessarily anyone’s fault, but if they fell because of an uneven paver, someone is liable.
Knowing the details of the situation can help you determine whether legal action may be warranted.
Evaluating the Severity of the Injury
The severity of your child’s injury is a key factor in deciding whether to hire an attorney. If the injury is minor and requires only basic medical treatment, the legal implications may not be significant enough to warrant the involvement of an attorney. However, if the injury is more severe, requiring extensive medical care, rehabilitation, or long-term treatment, a personal injury attorney may be able to help you recover damages and ensure your child’s well-being is protected. The average payout for a child involved in a car accident is between $15k and $25k.
Navigating Insurance Claims
One of the primary reasons to consider hiring an attorney is to assist with insurance claims. Insurance companies can be complex to navigate, and they may not always act in the best interests of the injured party. An attorney can help you understand your rights, negotiate with the insurance company, and ensure that you receive the full compensation you are entitled to.
Determining Liability
In some cases, the injury may have been caused by the negligence or wrongful actions of another party. Determining liability can be a complex process, and an attorney can help investigate the incident, gather evidence, and build a strong case to hold the responsible party accountable.
Protecting Your Child’s Rights
When a child is injured, their well-being and future is the most important thing. An attorney can help ensure that your child’s rights are protected, and that any settlement or compensation received is properly managed and used to support their ongoing care and recovery.
Considering the Financial Implications
Hiring an attorney can be an expense, but it’s important to weigh the potential benefits against the costs. If your child’s injury has resulted in significant medical bills, lost income, or other financial burdens, an attorney may be able to help you recover damages that can alleviate these burdens and provide for your child’s long-term needs.
While you might not initially think of hiring a lawyer, working with an experienced attorney means you can ensure that your child’s rights are protected and that you receive the full compensation you are entitled to.
