Personal Injury Accidents Involving Minors

Children are vulnerable to many of the same accidents as adults, but their age, size, and developmental stage can make the consequences more severe. Some common personal injury cases involving minors include:

• Car Accidents: Whether they are passengers, pedestrians, or bicyclists, children are frequently injured in vehicle-related accidents.
• School Accidents: Injuries that occur at school due to unsafe playgrounds, inadequate supervision, or faulty equipment.
• Sports Injuries: Negligence during organized sports, such as a lack of proper safety equipment or inadequate training, can result in severe injuries to young athletes.
• Premises Liability (Slip and Fall Accidents): Children can be injured on another person’s property due to unsafe conditions like slippery surfaces, faulty railings, or poorly maintained playgrounds.
• Defective Products: Toys, cribs, car seats, or other products designed for children that are improperly designed or manufactured can cause serious injuries.
• Dog Bites: Children are particularly susceptible to dog bite injuries, which can lead to both physical and emotional trauma.

When a minor is injured, the legal process can differ from a standard personal injury claim in several key ways:

• Parental/Guardian Involvement: Since minors cannot legally represent themselves, a parent or guardian must file a claim on their behalf. We work closely with families to ensure that the child’s best interests are at the forefront of every decision.
• Long-Term Impact: Injuries to minors can have lifelong consequences, from ongoing medical care to developmental challenges. Our team takes into account the potential long-term effects of the injury when pursuing compensation, ensuring your child’s future needs are covered.
• Settlement Approval: In Florida, settlements involving minors must often be approved by a court to ensure that the agreement is in the child’s best interest. Caminero Law will guide you through this process to ensure all legal requirements are met.
• Structured Settlements: In many cases, compensation awarded to a minor may be structured to provide financial support over time, rather than as a lump sum. This ensures the funds are used appropriately to cover medical costs, education, and other future needs.

When your child has been injured due to another party’s negligence, you may be entitled to pursue compensation for:

• Medical Expenses: Immediate and long-term medical care, including hospital visits, surgeries, physical therapy, and any future medical treatments.
• Pain and Suffering: Children who experience physical pain, emotional trauma, or permanent scarring may be eligible for compensation for their suffering.
• Future Economic Losses: If the injury affects the child’s ability to work in the future or their long-term quality of life, compensation can address potential loss of earning capacity.
• Rehabilitation and Special Education Costs: If your child’s injury requires ongoing therapy or specialized education to help them recover or adjust, these costs can be covered.