Your Child Has Been Hurt: What Are Your Next Steps?
As parents, we never want to think about our children getting hurt. However, accidents happen, and when they do, it’s essential to understand what steps you should take next to protect your child’s well-being and your legal rights.
If your child has been injured, particularly in an accident that was caused by someone else’s negligence, you may have a personal injury case on your hands.
At our firm, we’ll walk you through the important steps to take after your child has been hurt in Massachusetts, from seeking medical attention to understanding how personal injury law applies to minor children.
At the Law Offices of Stephen D. Walsh, our MA child injury lawyer has helped many families like yours in securing justice after their children have been injured, and we’re here to guide you through the process.
Prioritize Your Child’s Health
The very first thing to do when your child is injured is to seek immediate medical attention. Regardless of the severity of the injury, getting your child evaluated by a healthcare professional is critical.
Even if you believe the injury might not be serious, it’s important to remember that children can sometimes mask the pain or not communicate the extent of their injury.
Whether your child has been involved in a car accident, suffered a fall, or been hurt in any other way, make sure to call 911 if the injury seems serious, or visit an urgent care facility or pediatrician as soon as possible.
The medical evaluation will not only confirm that your child’s health is prioritized, but it will also create an official record of the injury. This documentation may be vital later if you decide to pursue a personal injury claim.
In Massachusetts, just as in any state, medical records are critical when establishing the nature and severity of an injury. Be sure to keep detailed records of all medical visits, diagnoses, treatments, and follow-up care. These documents will be an essential part of any potential personal injury case.
Document the Accident and Injury
Once your child is receiving the necessary medical care, the next crucial step is documenting everything surrounding the accident. It can be difficult to think about legal matters while your child is injured, but gathering information as soon as possible will help you in the long run.
The more detailed the documentation, the stronger your potential personal injury claim may be.
In Massachusetts, as in other states, the more evidence you have, the better your chances of a successful case. Some important things to document include:
The scene of the accident: If it was a car accident, take photos of the vehicles involved, any road conditions, or signs that might have contributed to the incident. If the injury occurred at a public place, such as a store or playground, photograph any hazards that may have contributed to the injury, like a wet floor or broken equipment.
Witnesses: Gather contact information from any witnesses to the accident. Their testimony could be crucial in establishing what happened and who was at fault.
Your child’s condition: Photograph visible injuries, even if they seem minor. Injuries that are internal may not be immediately visible, but pictures of your child’s condition, bruises, cuts, or swelling can help establish the seriousness of the injury.
This documentation will be invaluable should you decide to pursue a personal injury claim. As personal injury lawyers, we often stress the importance of evidence because it can strengthen your case in court.
While it’s understandable that your first concern is your child’s recovery, taking the time to document the situation can also protect your legal rights.
Consult With a Personal Injury Lawyer
If your child has been hurt due to someone else’s negligence, consulting with a Massachusetts personal injury lawyer as soon as possible is a wise decision. At the Law Offices of Stephen D. Walsh, we understand that the idea of filing a lawsuit is overwhelming, especially when your child is involved.
However, a lawyer can help you understand the strength of your case, the potential for compensation, and the legal process. Consulting with a lawyer early in the process allows us to begin gathering evidence, contacting witnesses, and filing necessary paperwork.
You may feel unsure about whether you want to pursue a personal injury claim at first, and that’s understandable. However, Massachusetts personal injury law allows for compensation for both physical injuries and the emotional trauma that comes from being hurt.
If your child has suffered physical or emotional harm due to someone else’s actions, a personal injury claim may be a way to seek justice and help your family recover from the financial burden that may come with medical expenses and lost wages.
In Massachusetts, there are statutes of limitations that govern how long you have to file a personal injury claim, and these deadlines are crucial.
For cases involving minors, the clock on the statute of limitations generally does not begin until the child reaches the age of 18. However, it’s important to consult with a lawyer as soon as possible so that we can act promptly to protect your child’s rights.
Consider the Potential for a Lawsuit
After consulting with a personal injury lawyer, you may decide to pursue a lawsuit. In Massachusetts, personal injury law covers a wide range of accidents and injuries, and if someone else’s negligence led to your child’s harm, you may be entitled to compensation.
Compensation can help cover medical expenses, emotional distress, pain and suffering, and other damages caused by the injury.
When pursuing a personal injury claim for a child, the compensation you seek will likely depend on the severity of the injury and the long-term effects it may have on your child’s life.
For example, if your child has suffered a broken bone, the compensation may cover medical bills, therapy, and any loss of enjoyment of life. If the injury is more severe, such as a traumatic brain injury, the damages could cover future medical expenses and lifelong care.
In Massachusetts, personal injury claims often involve negotiating with insurance companies to reach a settlement. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, we’ll be prepared to take your case to court.
We understand that this process may seem intimidating, but we are here to guide you and confirm that your family’s needs are met every step of the way.
The Impact of Your Child’s Injury on Their Future
As you move forward with your child’s recovery and the potential for a personal injury case, it’s important to consider the long-term impact the injury may have on their life. Children are still developing, and injuries can have far-reaching consequences on their physical, emotional, and psychological health.
In some cases, children may face permanent disabilities or long-term medical needs that can affect their education, relationships, and overall quality of life.
If your child’s injury is permanent or causes lasting harm, a personal injury lawsuit can help confirm that they receive the proper care and support in the future. In Massachusetts, the law allows for compensation to cover both current and future expenses related to the injury, including:
Medical care: This includes any current medical bills, as well as any future surgeries, physical therapy, or long-term care that may be required.
Educational needs: If the injury affects your child’s ability to attend school, additional educational support may be necessary. This can be a significant expense that’s often overlooked in personal injury cases.
Emotional trauma: Many children who are injured experience emotional distress, and this can have a lasting impact on their mental health and future relationships.
At the Law Offices of Stephen D. Walsh, we believe that children who suffer harm due to someone else’s negligence should be compensated fully for their losses. We advocate for your child’s best interests and work to confirm that they receive the resources they need to recover and thrive.
Stay Focused on Your Child’s Recovery
While pursuing a personal injury claim can be an important part of the process, your child’s recovery should always be the priority. Make sure that your child is receiving the proper medical care and emotional support to heal. A personal injury case may take time, but your child’s health and well-being are far more important.
In some cases, emotional counseling or therapy may be necessary to help your child cope with the trauma caused by the injury.
This is especially true in cases where the injury was caused by a violent or traumatic event, such as a car accident or a serious fall. As personal injury lawyers, we encourage parents to make sure their child receives all necessary care to facilitate their healing, both physically and emotionally.
Connect With an Experienced Attorney Today
At the Law Offices of Stephen D. Walsh, we understand the emotional toll that an injury can take on your family. We’re proud to serve Essex County, Massachusetts, and the surrounding areas of Peabody, Danvers, Salem, and Beverly. Reach out to the Law Offices of Stephen D. Walsh today to learn more.