If your child was injured because of someone else’s negligence in Metairie, Louisiana, the Law Office of John W. Redmann, L.L.C. can help your family understand its legal options and pursue compensation. A Metairie child injury lawyer can evaluate your case and explain your next steps. Call (504) 500-5000 today to schedule a free consultation.
Children can suffer serious injuries in car crashes, falls, dog attacks, and other accidents. An injury can affect a child’s health, education, daily activities, and future development. Our firm can investigate what happened, determine who may be responsible, and help your family navigate the legal process.
How Can the Law Office of John W. Redmann, L.L.C. Help With a Child Injury Case in Metairie?
At the Law Office of John W. Redmann, L.L.C., we have over 30 years of experience handling personal injury matters. A Metairie personal injury lawyer at our firm can guide you through the legal process and help you pursue compensation for your child’s injuries.
Our Metairie, LA, legal team can help by:
- Investigating how the child was injured
- Gathering medical records, photographs, witness statements, and other evidence
- Identifying parties who may be responsible
- Evaluating the child’s current and future needs
- Handling communications with insurance companies
- Negotiating for a settlement when appropriate
- Preparing the case for court when necessary
Child injury cases can raise unique issues because an injury may affect a young person differently as they grow and develop. A Metairie child injury attorney can evaluate those long-term effects and help your family understand the options available for pursuing compensation.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and discuss your child’s case.
What Types of Accidents Can Cause Child Injuries?
Children can be hurt in many of the same accidents as adults. However, their age and size can make some injuries more serious.
Common causes of child injuries include:
- Car accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Falls
- Dog bites
- Swimming pool accidents
- Unsafe property conditions
- Defective products
The cause of the accident can help show who may be at fault. Some cases may involve more than one person or company.
Who May Be Liable for a Child’s Injury?
The party at fault for a child’s injury depends on how and where the accident happened. A careless driver may be responsible for injuries caused in a car crash, while a property owner or business may be liable when unsafe conditions contribute to an accident.
Other potentially liable parties may include dog owners, product manufacturers or sellers, and individuals whose actions caused the child’s injury. In some cases, more than one party may share responsibility.
The duty owed to a child depends on the circumstances surrounding the accident and the relationship between the parties. A lawyer can review the facts, identify potentially liable parties, and determine who may be part of the claim.
What Evidence Can Help Prove a Child Injury Claim?
A child injury claim needs proof of both fault and the harm caused by the accident. Medical records can be very important when the injury may affect the child for years.
Useful evidence may include:
- Police or accident reports
- Photos and videos
- Witness statements
- Medical records
- Medical bills
- School records
- Security camera footage
- Reports about unsafe property or products
Parents should also keep records of follow-up care, therapy, and other treatment. These records can help show how the injury affects the child’s health and daily life.
An early review may also help protect video or other proof before it is lost.
What Compensation May Be Available for a Child’s Injury?
A claim may seek damages for the losses caused by the accident. The types of damages available will depend on the injury and other facts of the case.
Compensation may be available for:
- Medical bills
- Future medical care
- Therapy and rehab
- Pain and suffering
- Scarring
- Lasting disability
- Other losses caused by the injury
Some costs may continue for years after the accident. A serious injury may require future treatment, special equipment, or other support.
A lawyer can review medical records and other proof to help show the child’s current and future needs.
Can a Child Be Blamed for an Accident in Louisiana?
Louisiana uses a modified comparative fault system. If an injured person is less than 51% at fault, their compensation is generally reduced in proportion to their percentage of fault. A person who is 51% or more at fault generally cannot recover damages.
Cases involving children require additional consideration because a child’s age and capacity to understand the consequences of their actions can affect whether fault may be assigned to them. The circumstances of the accident and the child’s ability to appreciate the danger may therefore be important.
Evidence about how the accident occurred can help determine whether comparative fault is an issue and how it may affect the claim.
How Long Do You Have to File a Child Injury Lawsuit in Louisiana?
Louisiana generally gives you two years to file a personal injury lawsuit. Under Louisiana Civil Code Article 3493.1, the two-year period generally begins on the date the injury or damage occurs.
Different rules or exceptions may apply in certain cases, including some claims involving minors and permanent disabilities caused by defective products. The specific deadline can therefore depend on the circumstances of the child’s injury.
Missing the applicable deadline can prevent your family from pursuing compensation through the courts. Speaking with a lawyer as soon as possible can help you determine which deadline applies and preserve evidence that may be important to the claim.
Contact Our Metairie Child Injury Lawyers Today for a Free Consultation
A serious injury can affect a child’s health, education, daily activities, and future needs. Families may also face difficult questions about liability, insurance coverage, and the compensation available for the child’s injuries.
The Law Office of John W. Redmann, L.L.C. can review what happened and help your family determine how to move forward. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a Metairie child injury lawyer and discuss your family’s legal options.