For children, minor accidents and injuries are part of growing up. However, there are times when the injuries are significant and the accident is the result of someone else’s negligent actions. If your child is hurt because a driver was reckless or a playground equipment manufacturer was negligent, they deserve compensation.
At the Villarreal & Begum, LAW GUNS, we passionately fight for children who have suffered catastrophic injuries. Many of us are parents too- we know what your family is going through. Our promise is not just about pursuing justice, but also about offering compassion, understanding, and the personalized attention you and your family need during this difficult period.
At the Villarreal & Begum, LAW GUNS, we understand that nothing is more distressing than seeing your child harmed due to someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing. Our dedicated team of San Antonio child injury lawyers can assist you in several ways, from skilled legal services to ongoing moral support.
Our San Antonio child injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means that you won’t have to worry about upfront attorney fees, as we only collect payment if we secure a favorable settlement or verdict.
Several situations can lead to child injuries, ranging from school-related incidents to playground accidents, sports mishaps, and more. Below is an overview of the common types of accidents that cause injury to children.
Car accidents involving children are heart-breaking realities that emphasize the value of road safety. These crashes can have devastating consequences for children, as their bodies are still developing and more vulnerable to impact forces. Even with appropriate car seats and safety restraints, the force of a collision can cause serious injuries such as fractures, head trauma, neck injuries, spinal cord injuries, and internal organ damage. The emotional toll can also be immense, so speak to our car accident lawyers if your child is injured by a negligent driver.
Public schools should be safe environments, but injuries can and do happen, especially under the following conditions:
Playgrounds are meant to be fun spaces, but they can also pose various risks that lead to debilitating injuries.
Participating in sports is a popular childhood activity, but it also comes with inherent risks, some of which are preventable. For example:
Driver negligence, poor vehicle maintenance, and unsafe road conditions can all cause or contribute to a school bus accident. Your child may be entitled to compensation if they were injured due to negligence on the part of the school district or the bus company.
Children are at a higher risk of dog bites due to their smaller size, unpredictable movements, and limited understanding of a dog’s body language. When the dog attacks, it can result in physical injuries, scarring, and emotional trauma. Seeking medical attention and consulting with a personal injury attorney are essential steps to ensure the child’s well-being and protect their legal rights.
Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare professional, such as a doctor, nurse, or medical facility, fails to provide the appropriate standard of care, resulting in harm to the patient. Unfortunately, children are not immune to medical errors, and such incidents can lead to devastating consequences for both the child and their family.
Whether it involves a misdiagnosis, medication error, surgical mistake, or improper treatment, the repercussions of medical negligence on a child’s health and well-being can be severe and long-lasting. In these challenging situations, seeking legal representation from experienced child injury lawyers is crucial to hold the negligent parties accountable.
As stated earlier, children can be accident-prone, and even severe injuries can be caused by a genuine accident. As a parent, how do you determine whether you should call a San Antonio child injury lawyer as well as your doctor? Here are some key scenarios when hiring an attorney for your child’s injury becomes essential:
When your child has been injured due to the fault of another, it can result in significant physical, emotional, and financial hardship for your family. In such cases, Texas law allows you to pursue compensation to help cover the numerous expenses and impacts related to the injury. Here’s a closer look at common types of damages you may be entitled to:
If your child’s injury is so severe that it may affect their ability to earn a living in the future, they could be entitled to compensation for loss of future earning capacity. These damages are designed to cover the difference between what they could have earned had they not been injured and what they will likely be able to earn given their injury.
It should be noted that if the injury was caused by gross negligence or malicious intent, punitive damages may also be awarded. These damages may be appropriate if, for example, the child was harmed by a habitual drunk driver.
To hold someone liable for your child’s injury, you must first establish negligence. This process typically involves proving that the party had a duty of care to act in a manner that would prevent harm to your child. You must also show that this duty was breached, and as a result of the breach, your child was injured. An experienced attorney can help compile the necessary evidence to demonstrate this negligence.
When your child is injured, it is essential to take immediate action to ensure their safety and well-being. Below is an overview of the steps you should follow to get any necessary medical help and preserve evidence for a personal injury claim.
For adult victims of personal injury, the statute of limitations typically allows them two years from the date of the accident to file a claim and seek compensation. However, when the victim is a minor child, the statute of limitations is “tolled,” meaning it is paused until they turn 18. Consequently, the two-year time limit to file a claim starts on the victim’s 18th birthday, giving them until their 20th birthday to initiate a personal injury lawsuit, regardless of their age at the time of the injury.
This doesn’t mean you should wait. In Texas, a parent or guardian can file a civil claim on the child’s behalf, acting as a “next friend.” Such personal injury claims filed by next friends involve two parts: one seeks compensation for the parents’ expenses, including lost wages and out-of-pocket medical bills, while the other aims to secure financial compensation for the child’s damages, such as diminished quality of life and permanent disability.
At the Villarreal & Begum, LAW GUNS, we understand the immense emotional toll that child injuries can have on families. Our compassionate San Antonio child injury lawyers are committed to alleviating your burden and securing the best possible outcome for your child’s recovery and future well-being. For more information or to schedule a free initial consultation, call (210) 800-0000 or contact us online today.
