East Ridge Child Injury Lawyer

When a child gets hurt without an immediate explanation, one of the first things a parent will try to determine is who or what caused their injuries. If it is discovered that the careless actions of a negligent party are responsible for their injuries, the could be held liable via a claim for compensation.

An East Ridge child injury lawyer can help families fulfill that duty. Knowledgeable attorneys familiar with devastating childhood injuries will protect your interests and fight for the compensation your family needs and deserves.

What Type of Injuries Could Victims Sustain?

At some point, every child becomes ill, skins a knee, or twists an ankle. These classic illnesses and injuries occur from kids being kids – roughhousing, exploring, or being clumsy and inattentive. However, the injuries traced back to someone else’s misdeed or failure to act responsibly may support a claim for compensatory damages:

• Lacerations
• Broken bones
• Brain damage
• Paralysis
• Spine trauma
• Poisoning
• Burns
• Amputations
• Death

These and other injuries can occur in any setting: playgrounds, daycare centers, schools, amusement parks, pools, or doctors’ offices. Tragic injuries can even happen in a child’s home; for example, the use of a defective product or inadequate caregiver supervision could have devastating consequences. Lawyers who regularly handle child injury claims could identify those responsible and build a persuasive case for fair compensation.

The Path to Obtaining a Just Remedy

In addition to expert medical attention and emotional therapy, families will need the financial means to pay for this care. Often the cost of addressing medical and psychological needs exceeds insurance limits and family savings. Parents may have little recourse but to seek compensation from those responsible, either through settlement or the judicial system.

Understanding the Timeframes for Bringing a Lawsuit

While most cases settle out of court, in most cases, the law requires parents to file suit within one year of their child’s injuries. Attempts to file a complaint outside the one-year timeframe will likely result in dismissal of the case and limited leverage to negotiate a settlement. With so little time to preserve their rights, parents of injured children should not delay consulting lawyers who regularly handle cases in this area. Claims brought on behalf of minors have a longer statute of limitations because the law pauses running the one-year time frame until the child reaches 18.

Damages Available Under the Law

Under Tennessee Code § 29-39-102, parents and children may recoup economic and noneconomic damages, with a statutory limit imposed upon noneconomic awards. Economic damages reimburse measurable costs and expenses, such as medical bills, therapy sessions, nursing and home health aides, transportation costs, and lost future income. Noneconomic damages address intangible harms:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Inconvenience
• Humiliation
• Interference with a normal lifestyle

Parents who suffer the ultimate tragedy – the loss of their child – may also sue for wrongful death. A wrongful death claim augments the type of damages to include items such as funeral expenses, the parent’s pain and suffering, and loss of the child’s companionship. If those responsible acted recklessly or with malice, a court may punish them by awarding punitive damages.

More often than not, a victim’s compensation comes by way of settlement, rather than court-ordered judgment. Tennessee protects its minors’ interests by requiring judge approval of all settlements, no matter the amount. If the amount exceeds $10,000, the law compels an in-person court appearance.

Get in Touch with an East Ridge Child Injury Attorney

Dealing with a severely injured or ill child can be emotionally and financially draining. Our East Ridge child injury lawyers understand that this is a very overwhelming time for your family and are ready to help. With a trained, competent staff, we will engage those responsible and work tirelessly to win the compensation your family deserves. Please do not hesitate, call us today so we can start fighting for your family.