Parents want the world to be safe for their children. The safety, health, and well-being of your kids are your top priority. Sadly, not only do accidents happen, but they are the leading cause of death in children under 20 years old.
If your child has suffered a serious injury, you should retain the services of an experienced attorney. A Sandusky child injury lawyer could advocate on behalf of your family and help you determine next steps. Tittle & Perlmuter’s team of compassionate and experienced personal injury attorneys is ready to help you hold the negligent party accountable for their actions.
How Child Injuries Occur
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), over 12,000 children a year die from injuries due to an accident. There are untold dangers in the home and the world outside, and accidents may occur due to an individual’s negligence or a dangerous condition on property. A knowledgeable attorney has experience filing lawsuits for all kinds of child injuries.
Children can get into accidents on school buses, in daycare centers, amusement parks, and playgrounds. They can be harmed by a defective product, as well as a dog bite or a dangerous condition of property. Children are susceptible to exploring things like construction sites, abandoned houses, and other attractive locations. The law recognizes that a landowner has a duty of care to secure property so that danger does not draw them into a hazardous condition. A seasoned attorney in Sandusky who has experience handling child injury cases understands how a product or accident can cause unexpected harm and will be able to hold the negligent party accountable.
What Happens in a Lawsuit for Child Injuries
Under Ohio law, a parent can bring a lawsuit on behalf of a minor child at any time until the child turns 18. However, once they reach the age of 18, the injured child has two years to file a lawsuit for an injury they previously received. It is wise to file a personal injury claim quickly, while witness memories remain vivid and it may be easier to obtain access to medical and investigative files.
Once filed, the injured party’s attorney has the burden of proving that another party’s negligence caused the injury or death. Negligence is the legal term for breach of a duty of care owed to another person. These cases may require expert testimony, such as pediatric specialists, therapists, and accident investigators. A Sandusky child injury lawyer could advise the plaintiff of the evidence necessary to prove negligence.
After the court hears evidence on who is responsible for the injury, the plaintiff’s attorney must prove damages. This refers to the direct and consequential losses suffered by the injured child.
Some financial losses are easily quantifiable such as unpaid medical bills (past and future), renovations needed in the home to accommodate a disability, and the cost of special schools or home care. Other damages are less obvious but reflect different kinds of loss like mental anguish, and the child’s pain and suffering. Children can endure long-term emotional distress from traumatic injuries, and a jury may award damages for this as well.
Speak with a Sandusky Child Injury Lawyer Today
No one ever wants to endure the stress and sadness of an injured child, and the loss of a child is unimaginable. If any of these events happen to you, our team at Tittle & Perlmuter is here to help. A Sandusky child injury lawyer stands ready to evaluate your claim and guide you in the next steps. We can ease some of your burdens by investigating how the accident happened and who is responsible. While you focus on helping your child, we could give you compassionate legal support.
