Children are among the most vulnerable to suffering injuries. We all do everything we can to provide the protection they need. Even so, simply being a child and interacting with the world exposes kids to many of the same dangers as adults and additional hazardous circumstances. When someone’s negligence leads to a child becoming seriously injured, the child and their family have every right to hold the at-fault party accountable.
A dedicated Kingstree child injury lawyer could represent the interests of an injured child and their family in civil lawsuits designed to obtain compensation. This could include demanding reimbursement for medical bills and compensation for loss of quality of life connected to the incident. The injury attorneys at Whetstone Perkins & Fulda are prepared to help you navigate taking legal action on your child’s behalf.
Children and Personal Injury Law
Doing nothing more than going about one’s usual routine exposes us to potential harm because of the poor choices of others, regardless of age. Circumstances where both children and adults may suffer injuries because of someone else’s negligence include the following:
In these cases, children have the same legal protection and rights as adults. For example, the drivers of cars must take proper care not to cause harm to other drivers, passengers, bike riders, or pedestrians. The age of a potential victim has no bearing on whether others have an obligation to act responsibly or face claims of negligence in a court of law.
However, personal injuries may also result from situations specific to children’s experiences. For example, a child may get hurt while using faulty equipment at summer camp or on a playground. Abusive staff members pose a risk to children in schools, churches, and youth groups. In any case where someone causes a child to suffer unjust harm, a Kingstree attorney could obtain the evidence needed to hold the negligent party accountable.
Potential Challenges When Filing a Child Injury Case
Special rules apply for injured children seeking to obtain the compensation they deserve. Usually, injured plaintiffs have the sole ability to file a lawsuit in court. However, state law says that a child cannot be the plaintiff in their own case. Therefore, parents or other legal guardians must take legal action on behalf of their minor children to seek compensation for their losses. A Kingstree attorney with experience handling child injury cases could guide families through this process.
Meeting the time limit on these cases is also a vital step toward success. Pursuant to South Carolina Code § 15-3-530, family members must file an injury claim on behalf of their injured child no more than three years after the incident. Even if a case has a clear negligent party and a strong chance of success, a case may fail if a parent does not act in time. A skilled attorney could work to bring the strongest possible case forward within the required time limits to maximize the chances of getting an injured child the accountability and compensation they deserve.
Reach Out to a Kingstree Child Injury Attorney Who Could Support Your Family
An injury can be a traumatic experience for any person, regardless of their age. Still, the situation can be even more physically and mentally draining when it affects a child. It is important for parents and guardians to understand the legal rights of children and how to pursue fair compensation in these cases.
A compassionate Kingstree child injury lawyer could help families pursue damages within the framework of the law. Contact us today to see how the team at Whetstone Perkins & Fulda could help bring peace of mind and financial stability to your family after an accident.
