MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota. According to U.S.A. Today, more than 9,000 children under age 12 died in car accidents between 2002 and 2011. These figures don’t account for the number of children injured in crashes every year. Parents of minors who are injured in crashes have the right to seek compensation from negligent parties and from insurers to cover their children’s medical expenses, recovery costs, and other losses. If your child has been injured in a car accident, the personal injury attorney at the Law Office of Martin T. Montilino may be able to assist you in seeking a recovery you may deserve.
While many cases where children are injured can be resolved outside of court, in some instances, parents seek compensation or recovery through a lawsuit filed on behalf of a child. Children who are injured in car accidents sometimes face the same challenges to seeking a recovery that adults face. For instance, insurance companies may use formulas when estimating the value of a claim in order to offer a lower settlement. Adjusters may try to find ways to avoid paying a claim. Families who are having difficulty seeking the recovery from their insurance company that they believe they deserve may be able to receive assistance from a qualified car accident attorney in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Parents sometimes also choose to pursue negligent parties in court by suing these parties on behalf of their children. Parents can seek recoveries to cover medical expenses and rehabilitation fees. In some cases, parents can also seek a recovery to cover future losses in terms of lost wages and pain and suffering. Sometimes the settlement will involve provisions to allow this money to be paid when the child turns 18. In other cases, the parents will receive the money on behalf of their children and it can be placed in a trust for the child.
Children’s injuries can sometimes be very serious. For instance, traumatic brain injury in children can seriously impact a child’s development, educational functioning, and can result in behavioral problems. According to Brainline, a child’s traumatic brain injury can affect a range of body systems, from neurological systems to the endocrine system. Children with traumatic brain injury may also experience problems with movement, sensory systems, and mood. These injuries can affect a child throughout his or her childhood and into adulthood. For instance, a child who may have been a high academic performer may require additional support in the classroom. Or, a teen who may have earned a football scholarship, may see reduced opportunities. The law offers ways for families to recover these future financial losses through a personal injury lawsuit.
The Law Office of Martin T. Montilino understands that a child’s injury in a car accident can be devastating. Denial, grief, anxiety, depression, and stress are all emotions felt by families. However, it is important to act swiftly to protect your child’s rights. Contact the Law Office of Martin T. Montilino today to learn more.