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San Antonio Child Injury Lawyers

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. 

How Our San Antonio Child Injury Lawyers Can Assist You

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 compassionate attorneys approach each case with empathy, ensuring that you and your injured child feel heard and supported throughout the legal process. We take the time to understand the unique circumstances of your case and offer personalized attention to address your specific needs and concerns.
  • We have successfully handled various child injury accident cases, including those arising from motor vehicle crashes, medical malpractice, and defective products. Our experience allows us to navigate the legal system efficiently and effectively on your behalf.
  • The attorneys at our law firm have extensive experience negotiating with insurance companies to ensure that your child’s rights are protected and that they receive the compensation they deserve. We are not afraid to stand up to insurance adjusters and fight for your child’s best interests.
  • While we always strive to reach a fair settlement, we are always prepared to take your case to trial if necessary. Our trial-tested lawyers have the skills and resources to present a compelling case in court and advocate for maximum compensation.

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. 

Common Child Accident Injuries

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

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.

School Injuries

Public schools should be safe environments, but injuries can and do happen, especially under the following conditions:

  • Bullying Incidents: Bullying can sometimes escalate to physical violence, causing severe harm to the victim. Should your child be injured, there may be grounds for legal action against the school or the bully’s parents, depending on the circumstances.
  • Negligent Supervision: If a child is harmed because of the school’s failure to provide appropriate supervision, the school may be held liable for the injuries sustained.
  • Injuries from School-Related Activities: School-sponsored activities and events can sometimes lead to devastating accidents and injuries. Whether it’s a field trip, sports event, or extracurricular activity, the school may be held responsible for injuries resulting from their failure to maintain a safe environment.

Playground Injuries

Playgrounds are meant to be fun spaces, but they can also pose various risks that lead to debilitating injuries.

  • Equipment-Related Accidents: Playground equipment may malfunction or be poorly maintained, leading to cuts, broken bones, and even spinal cord or traumatic brain injury. In such cases, the party responsible for maintaining the playground may be held liable.
  • Falls and Fractures: Trips, slips, and falls can result in fractures, sprains, or other injuries. Proper ground surfaces and safety measures can help reduce the risk of such accidents, and failure to provide them can leave park managers liable.

Sports Injuries

Participating in sports is a popular childhood activity, but it also comes with inherent risks, some of which are preventable. For example:

  • Contact sports or accidents during recreational activities can lead to concussions or head injuries. Coaches, organizers, or other parties may be held responsible if proper safety protocols were not followed.
  • Sports that involve running, jumping, or physical contact can lead to soft tissue injuries, fractured bones, sprains, or strains. In some cases, negligence on the part of coaches or sports facilities could contribute to such injuries.

School Bus Accidents

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.

Dog Bites

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

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.

When to Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer

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:

  • Serious and Debilitating Injuries: When your child has suffered a serious injury or one with long-term implications, it’s crucial to hire an attorney. This is because the costs associated with severe or permanent injuries, like medical bills, ongoing care, and rehabilitation, can be astronomical. An experienced child injury attorney can help you estimate future costs and negotiate a fair compensation package to cover these expenses.
  • The Injury Was Caused by Negligence or Intentional Harm: If your child’s injury was the result of someone else’s negligent or intentionally harmful behavior, a lawyer’s involvement becomes necessary. They can help establish the guilty party’s liability, collect the necessary evidence, and present a compelling case to ensure you receive the damages you deserve.
  • You’re Dealing with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts. They can employ various tactics, like denying claims or offering quick, low settlements, which might not cover all your child’s medical and rehabilitation costs. A personal injury lawyer can skillfully negotiate with insurance adjusters, preventing you from accepting an undervalued settlement.

Compensation for Child Injuries in Texas

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:

  • Medical expenses
  • Future medical care
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Mental anguish
  • Loss of quality of life
  • Loss of enjoyment of life

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.

Establishing Fault and Liability in Child Injury Cases

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.

FAQs 

What Should I Do If My Child Has Been Injured?

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.

  • Assess the Situation: Stay calm and assess the injury. Determine if it requires immediate medical attention. If the injury appears serious or life-threatening, call for emergency medical help right away.
  • Provide First Aid: If the injury is minor and does not require immediate medical attention, administer basic first aid as necessary. For cuts, scrapes, or burns, clean the wound with mild soap and water and apply a sterile bandage. For more severe injuries, avoid moving your child unnecessarily and wait for medical professionals to arrive.
  • Seek Medical Attention: If there’s any doubt about the severity of the injury or if your child is in significant physical pain or distress, seek medical attention promptly. Even seemingly minor injuries can sometimes have underlying complications that only a medical professional can diagnose.
  • Document the Incident: If the injury occurred due to an accident or someone else’s negligence, it’s essential to document the incident. Take photographs of the accident scene, any hazards that may have contributed to the injury, and your child’s injuries themselves. These photos can be valuable evidence if you decide to pursue a personal injury claim later. 
  • Notify School or Authorities: If the injury occurred at school, daycare, or any public place, inform the relevant authorities about the incident. They may need to conduct their own investigation and file an incident report.
  • Keep Track of Medical Records: Keep all medical records related to your child’s injury, including doctor’s notes, test results, X-rays, and any treatment provided. These records will be essential if you decide to pursue a legal claim.
  • Contact an Attorney: If the injury resulted from someone else’s negligence, call a San Antonio child injury lawyer. They can help you understand your legal rights, guide you through the process of filing a claim, and ensure you receive fair compensation for your child’s injuries and damages.

How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit?

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.

Get a Free Consultation From a San Antonio Child Injury Lawyer Today

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.