Riverside Pediatric Injury Claims Attorney
As a parent it is your responsibility under the law that your injured child gets the money they deserve when they have been harmed by someone else’s negligence. This is very difficult to do on your own, both because you do not know how the legal system works and you are caring for your child. You need help from an experienced pediatric injury claims lawyer.
The lawyers at Heiting & Irwin have a track record of fighting on behalf of minors and thousands of clients since 1975. We have recovered well over $500 million for our clients, including numerous verdicts and settlements exceeding multiple millions. We are recognized and respected by clients, attorneys and judges throughout the state -and nation- who see what we bring to the table for every personal injury case.
The office is located at 6346 Brockton Ave, Riverside, CA 92506, a few blocks from the intersection of Central and Magnolia Avenues (Riverside Plaza area). Reach out to us today at (951) 682-6400 or at HILegalGroup.com to speak with a pediatric injury claims lawyer.
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“We are very grateful to have had Attorney Jim Heiting handling our case. All the staff were pleasant to work with. Mr. Heiting understood our needs and skillfully managed several unexpected aspects of our situation. Thank you!”
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Common Causes of Pediatric Injuries
Children can be injured in accidents in a number of ways, including:
- Bicycle and Motor vehicle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- At school
- Engaging in athletics
- Defective toys
- Slip and falls
- Swimming accidents
- Birth injuries
- Many other ways
No matter how your child has been injured, the legal concept in a lawsuit or claim is the same as in any other type of personal injury case. You must prove that someone else owed your child the duty of care, and they failed to uphold it by doing something that was unreasonable under the circumstances.
Why Pediatric Injuries Can Be Life-Changing for a Child
Personal injuries have a large impact on any victim, and the effect can be magnified when they involve a child. Pediatric personal injuries can be even more severe because:
- A child’s body is still developing, and an injury can interrupt normal development
- The brain and nervous system are particularly vulnerable, especially because they are still developing
- A child can miss out on education and other social opportunities because they are living with the effects of their injuries
- Children are more likely to develop chronic conditions when they have been injured at a young age
- There are immeasureable emotional and self-image consequences
Pediatric injuries can also significantly impact a family: a parent may need to take time off from work, or even leave their job entirely, because they need to care for the child. A seriously injured child can also lead to dramatic changes in family dynamics and relationships.
Parents Can Seek Compensation on Behalf of Their Child
When one is a minor, they are not able to enter into any type of contract, which includes a settlement agreement in a personal injury case. However, your child’s injuries require financial costs to treat today. Accordingly, it is up to you as the parent to seek compensation on behalf of your child. Even though there are safeguards in place, you must still fight to receive every dollar that your child deserves, because it is critical for their future.
Damages in a pediatric injury case include the following:
- Medical expenses to treat your child (past and future)
- Educational expenses if they need special consideration / efforts than available in the typical public school setting
- Caregiver costs (and money as compensation for a parent for lost wages if they must leave work to perform this role), or as otherwise required
- Lost wages and earning capacity for what your child could have earned in their working career
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Emotional distress
Child Injury Settlements Must Be Approved by the Court
The law takes your obligation as a parent to do what is best for your child very seriously. There are steps that we must take to obtain approval from the court of any settlement agreement that is reached on behalf of your child. In most cases, a court will appoint a guardian ad litem (guardian for purposes of overseeing the litigation of the claim) to ensure that your child’s interests are protected. When we file a petition to approve the settlement, the petitio must also explain how the settlement funds will be handled. Even after a judge has approved the settlement, the parents will probably need to give accountings to the court of how the money is spent.
Structured Settlements for Pediatric Injuries
Since your child may need the money from a settlement or award for a long period of time (and perhaps for the rest of their life), it is crucial that parents ensure that the money is safeguarded and protected. For cases involving serious injuries, parents will often structure a settlement. This type of arrangement pays out money at certain points in time now and in the future. The child may not be able to access the money until they are at least 18 years old. Depending on the severity of the injury and the child’s future needs, parents (through the child’s attorney) may even establish a trust for the benefit of the child.
Contact a Riverside Pediatric Injury Claims Law Firm
You owe it to your child to fight as hard as you can for their compensation, and the Riverside pediatric injury attorneys at Heiting & Irwin will lead this fight. You can speak to a Riverside pediatric injury lawyer during a free initial consultation by visiting our website or by calling us today at (951) 682-6400, or contact us at HILegalgroup.com. You owe us nothing unless you win your case.
