As parents and caregivers, we strive to create a safe environment for our children. Yet, despite our best efforts, unforeseen circumstances can lead to injuries that have long-lasting consequences. If your child is injured because someone else was reckless or negligent, your family deserves an advocate who will fight for the financial settlement your child needs to recover.
At the Villarreal & Begum, LAW GUNS, our Austin child injury lawyers have witnessed the impact such accidents can have on families. We will use our collective decades of experience in Texas personal injury law to hold the at-fault party or parties accountable and ensure your child receives maximum compensation.
Why Hire Us For Your Child Injury Claim in Austin?
Choosing the Villarreal & Begum, LAW GUNS, for your child injury claim in Austin can make all the difference in the outcome. Here are compelling reasons why you should trust us with your case:
- Dealing with a child’s injury can be emotionally overwhelming for families. At the Villarreal & Begum, LAW GUNS, we approach every case with empathy and compassion. We take the time to understand your family’s needs and concerns, providing personalized attention to ensure your child’s best interests are always at the forefront.
- With years of experience representing clients in Austin and beyond, our firm has honed its skills and legal strategies to successfully handle child injury claims. We have secured fair compensation for countless families, helping them recover and rebuild their lives.
- Child injury cases often require extensive investigations to determine liability and assess the full extent of damages. Our experienced lawyers have access to a network of professionals and resources to help investigate and support your case.
- While many child injury claims are resolved through negotiations, we are always prepared to take your case to trial if necessary. Our skilled trial lawyers are not afraid to fight for your child’s rights and pursue justice in the courtroom.
- Our firm’s success in obtaining favorable outcomes for child injury cases speaks for itself. We have a strong reputation for achieving substantial settlements and verdicts, giving our clients the confidence that their case is in capable hands.
We understand that families may be facing financial burdens after a child’s injury. That’s why we handle these cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay anything upfront. We only collect attorney fees if we successfully recover compensation for your child. To learn more, schedule your free initial consultation today.
Common Child Accident Injuries
Children have a natural trust and curiosity that can lead to unexpected injuries. In other cases, negligence is involved: every year, hundreds of children are injured in incidents involving careless drivers, negligent supervision, reckless animal owners, and more. Here are some of the most prevalent types of accidents that affect children:
- Car Accidents: Collisions, especially those involving speeding or distracted drivers, can lead to severe injuries or even fatalities. Our car accident lawyers in Austin represent children injured as passengers or pedestrians.
- School Bus Accidents: When school buses are involved in collisions, children on board can sustain serious injuries due to the lack of seat belts and other safety features commonly found in passenger cars.
- Playground Injuries: Playgrounds are supposed to be places of joy, but they can also be the site of unfortunate accidents. Falls from equipment, entrapments, and collisions with other children can cause broken bones, concussions, and other injuries.
- Dog Attacks: Interactions with dogs can sometimes lead to bites and attacks, especially when children are unfamiliar with the animal or fail to recognize warning signs of distress.
- Sports Injuries: Participating in sports is an excellent way for children to stay active, but it also comes with the risk of various injuries, such as concussions, fractures, sprains, and strains.
- Bicycle Accidents: Riding bicycles is a common childhood activity, but it exposes children to the risk of collisions with motor vehicles, uneven surfaces, and other hazards.
- School and Daycare Accidents: Inadequate supervision, poorly maintained facilities, and unsafe environments can lead to accidents and injuries in schools and daycare centers.
- Swimming Pool Incidents: Drowning and near-drowning incidents are a significant concern around swimming pools and other bodies of water, especially when proper safety measures are not in place.
- Defective Toys and Products: Children’s products that are poorly designed or manufactured can lead to choking hazards, burns, or other injuries.
While it is impossible to eliminate all risks, many child injuries can be prevented with proper supervision, education, and adherence to safety guidelines. However, when accidents do occur due to the negligence of others, we encourage you to seek legal representation from the experienced Austin child injury lawyers at the Villarreal & Begum, LAW GUNS.
Compensation for Child Injuries in Texas
Compensation, also known as damages, is intended to help an injured child recover and cope with the physical, emotional, and financial consequences of the accident. While each case is different, there are generally two types of compensation available for child injuries in Texas:
Economic Damages
These are tangible and measurable losses that can be calculated based on actual expenses incurred due to the injury. Economic damages may include:
- Medical Expenses: This covers the cost of medical treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and any other healthcare-related expenses required for the child’s recovery.
- Future Medical Costs: If the child’s injury requires ongoing or long-term medical care, compensation may be awarded to cover anticipated future medical expenses.
- Loss of Earning Capacity: If your child’s injury will affect their ability to earn a living in the future, they could be entitled to compensation for loss of future earning capacity.
Non-Economic Damages
These damages aim to compensate for the intangible and subjective losses that are more challenging to quantify. Non-economic damages may include:
- Pain and Suffering: This compensates the child for the physical pain and emotional distress experienced due to the injury.
- Emotional Distress: Children can suffer significant emotional trauma as a result of an injury, and non-economic damages may be awarded to address this aspect.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If the child’s injury negatively impacts their ability to participate in activities they once enjoyed, compensation may be provided to acknowledge this loss.
Punitive damages may also be awarded when gross negligence or malicious intent caused the injury. These damages may be appropriate if, for example, the child was struck by a habitual distracted driver or injured in a schoolyard where several accidents have occurred in the past.
When to Hire an Austin Child Injury Lawyer
When your child’s injuries are serious and have significant consequences, you should speak to an Austin child injury lawyer about pursuing financial compensation. Here are some guidelines to help you determine when it might be appropriate to involve a lawyer:
- If your child’s injuries are severe, resulting in significant medical expenses, long-term or permanent disabilities, or substantial pain and suffering, it is advisable to consult with an attorney. Serious injuries may include fractures, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, severe burns, or any injury that requires extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
- If your child’s injury was caused by someone else’s negligence or intentional actions, a lawyer can help you establish liability and pursue a personal injury claim. Examples of negligence could include car accidents, slip and fall incidents, defective products, or medical malpractice.
- If you encounter difficulties with insurance companies refusing to provide fair compensation or delaying payments for your child’s medical expenses or other damages, a lawyer can advocate on your behalf and negotiate a more equitable settlement.
- Injuries that could have long-term consequences on your child’s physical, emotional, or cognitive well-being may require legal representation. A lawyer can assess the potential future costs associated with ongoing medical care, therapy, and other support your child might need.
- Some child injury cases involve complex legal matters, such as multiple parties being at fault or dealing with government entities. In these situations, an experienced lawyer can ensure your child’s rights are protected.
You have up to two years after the child turns 18 to file a personal injury claim, regardless of their age at the time of the injury. However, you should not delay, as the passing of time can affect evidence quality. In Texas, a parent or guardian can act as a “next friend” and file a civil claim on behalf of the child.
If you have questions, consult an Austin child injury lawyer. Seeking legal counsel early can ensure you have the best chance of receiving the compensation your child needs for their injuries and losses.
FAQs
What Should I Do if My Child is Injured?
If your child has been injured, their safety and well-being need to be your first priority. You will also want to preserve all evidence needed for a future injury claim. To accomplish both goals, take the following steps:
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Seek medical attention as soon as possible to address your child’s injuries. Prompt medical treatment not only ensures their well-being but also creates a medical record that can be crucial evidence for a future personal injury claim.
- Document the Scene and Details: If the injury occurred due to an accident (e.g., car accident, slip and fall), try to document the scene and details surrounding the incident. Take photos of the accident site, any visible injuries, property damage, and any contributing factors to the accident.
- Gather Witness Information: If there were witnesses to the accident, collect their names and contact information. Witnesses can provide valuable statements and testimonies in support of your child’s claim.
- Report the Incident: File an incident report with the relevant authority or establishment where the injury occurred. For example, if it was a car accident, report it to the police. If it happened at a business or public place, report it to the manager or owner.
- Preserve Evidence: Preserve any evidence related to the accident and your child’s injuries. This includes medical records, doctor’s notes, prescriptions, X-rays, MRI results, and any other documents that detail the extent of the injuries and the treatment received.
- Consult with an Austin Child Injury Lawyer: Reach out to a personal injury attorney who has experience handling cases involving child injuries. They can guide you through the legal process and provide valuable advice on preserving evidence and building a strong case.
Avoid discussing the incident with insurance companies or accepting any settlement offers without first consulting your attorney. Insurance adjusters may try to settle the claim quickly and for a lower amount than what your child deserves.
What is My Child’s Case Worth?
Personal injury settlements are typically based on the concept of compensating the injured party for the losses and damages they have suffered. Here are some key factors that are considered when determining the value of your child’s injury claim:
- Severity of Injuries: The extent and severity of the child’s injuries are a critical factor in determining the value of the case. Severe and permanent injuries are likely to result in higher compensation than minor injuries that are expected to heal fully.
- Medical Expenses: The cost of medical treatment, including hospitalization, surgeries, rehabilitation, medication, and ongoing care, will be taken into account. These expenses can be significant, especially in cases of serious injuries.
- Future Medical Care: If the child’s injuries require ongoing medical care, such as physical therapy or long-term rehabilitation, the cost of future medical treatment will also be factored into the settlement.
- Pain and Suffering: Non-economic damages, such as pain, suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life, are often challenging to quantify. However, they can significantly impact the overall settlement amount.
- Impact on Quality of Life: For a child, the impact of the injury on their future quality of life, educational opportunities, and personal development may also be considered.
- Insurance Policy Limits: The liable party’s insurance policy limits can play a role in determining the maximum compensation available for the claim.
It’s important to note that each case is unique, and the actual settlement amount can vary significantly based on these factors. An experienced personal injury attorney in Texas can assess the specifics of your case and provide an accurate estimate of its potential worth.
Get a Free Consultation From an Austin Child Injury Lawyer Today
At the Villarreal & Begum, LAW GUNS, our Austin child injury lawyers understand the immense impact that accidents can have on families. When you choose us, you can trust that your child’s best interests will always be at the forefront of our approach.
We provide personalized attention and approach each case with empathy and compassion. Our track record of securing fair compensation for countless families in Austin and beyond speaks to our commitment to helping our clients recover and rebuild their lives. For more information or to schedule a free initial consultation, call (210) 800-0000 or contact us online today.
