Children are the future of the world. When they are injured in an accident – something that could have been prevented but for the negligence of someone else – it is devastating. Nobody wants that to happen, but if it does, you deserve compensation to help your child recover as quickly as possible.
Hobbs Law, LLC, provides support and strong representation when needed. We know your priority is your child, so we take these matters seriously. Please contact us online or at 205-683-2892 to schedule a free consultation. We'll talk about your case and outline your best legal options.
Common Child Injury Cases in Alabama
Unfortunately, there are many ways for a child to become injured. There are a few main categories of child injuries that tend to occur more frequently than others.
Auto Accidents
Auto accidents are one of the most common ways for children to become injured. Younger children are at higher risk of sustaining an injury in a car accident, so car seats are required by law for children under a certain age or size. On the other hand, children are at risk of being injured without even a seatbelt to protect them if they are riding on a school bus.
Teenage drivers have less experience than adults and may be more likely to be involved in a car accident. In these situations, insurance companies may try to take a statement from a teen driver before they have the chance to speak with an attorney. Always try to talk to a personal injury attorney first.
No matter the auto accident circumstances or the number of automobiles involved, it is important to contact a personal injury attorney if your child is injured. Different rules sometimes apply when an auto accident involves your child.
Premises Liability
Premises liability is a field of personal injury law involving injuries sustained on the property of another because the owner failed to maintain it safely. In accidents involving children, a property owner may face legal liability if they have an unfenced pool, for example, even though they know that children are using their property.
Products Liability
Manufacturers are responsible for producing safe products with adequate warning labels. If they fail, they can face liability. For example, if a faulty crib causes an injury during the middle of the night, the crib manufacturer could face liability. The same could also be true if the maker of a children's toy failed to warn of a choking hazard contained in the toy, which led to a choking accident.
Vicarious Liability
You may entrust your child's health and well-being to another person or entity so you can go to work or do what you need. When a place like a daycare facility fails to provide a safe environment for the children, the daycare owner can be held vicariously liable for the wrongful conduct of its employees. Unfortunately, this happens often.
The daycare may hire an individual without doing a thorough background check or investigation, and that person injures your child––this is known as negligent hiring. The facility may also be held liable simply because your child was injured while under the daycare's care if the injury was caused by a negligent employee working at the time of the injury.
What Makes Accidents Involving Children Different in Alabama?
Because of their unique physiology, children may be more likely to sustain specific injuries, necessitating a specialist's expertise. In addition, children are often less likely to articulate the anguish their injuries are causing them entirely. It is essential to prepare a child injury case in a way that will convey the full extent of the child's injuries and suffering.
Common injuries to children include:
- Dog bites,
- Brain injuries,
- Burn injuries,
- Broken bones,
- Orthopedic injuries, and
- Structural injuries.
Compensation for Children Involved in an Accident in Alabama
Children injured in an accident can receive compensation for their injuries. This includes economic damages for medical bills, non-economic damages for pain and suffering, and—in some cases—punitive damages, when warranted.
Generally, parents are eligible to receive components of a claim that belong to them, such as medical bills for their child that they paid. Other damages, such as pain and suffering, may be put into an account to wait until the child turns 19.
Who Files a Personal Injury Claim on Behalf of a Child in Alabama?
If your child was injured because of another person's negligence, recklessness, or intentional act, a personal injury claim or lawsuit can be filed. Who files the lawsuit depends on the facts and circumstances. Typically, a parent or guardian files the lawsuit, but in some cases, a child may file a lawsuit once they reach the age of 19 years old in the State of Alabama.
The rules are state-specific, so you should consult with an attorney in your jurisdiction to ensure the right person files a claim or lawsuit as soon as possible. Failure to do so could result in delays or dismissal of the case.
Why Do You Need a Personal Injury Attorney in Birmingham, Alabama?
Hiring a personal injury attorney gives you an advocate to help ensure your injured child is not further wronged. Other parties in your case will likely try to pay as little as possible, and a personal injury attorney who handles child injury cases can maximize your chances of fair compensation.
Contact a Child Injury Lawyer in Alabama Today
If your child was injured and you are considering filing a claim on your child's behalf, you should speak to an attorney who understands the unique aspects of child injuries. Attorney Dillon Hobbs has represented children who have been injured. Please don't hesitate to call 205-683-2892 to schedule a free consultation today.