If your child was injured in an accident and you are unsure of what to do next as medical bills pile up, the Morelli Law Firm provides a free legal consultation to discuss the circumstances of your child’s case. The laws regarding a minor’s personal injury can be hard to decipher, but with the help of our Chesterfield child injury lawyer, you can rest assured that your kid is protected.
Children are among the most vulnerable members of our society, and when they are injured, it is crucial to have a compassionate and experienced legal advocate by their side. With a deep understanding of Missouri’s laws and over 25 years of experience, our Chesterfield personal injury lawyers strive to provide personalized and effective representation.
Let’s partner together to hold responsible parties accountable for the harm they have caused. If your child has been injured due to someone else’s negligence, we are here to offer guidance, support, and legal action to help you get the best possible outcome for your child’s case.
Do You Really Need a Child Injury Lawyer?
We get it. Your child is hurt, and your attention is split between their recovery and possibly the financial strain that you’re experiencing. In the midst of that, hiring a lawyer sounds like a good idea but also a costly one. To help you determine if hiring an attorney is right for you, consider if any of the following scenarios apply. If so, you may benefit from retaining legal help.
Catastrophic or Life-Altering Injuries
When a child sustains a catastrophic injury such as a traumatic brain injury, spinal cord damage, or permanent disability, retaining legal counsel can ensure the settlement or judgment fully accounts for the extensive, long-term care and support your child will require.
Disputes With Insurance Providers
When insurance companies are reluctant to offer a fair settlement, a child injury lawyer can forcefully negotiate on your child’s behalf.
High-Value Compensation Claims
In Missouri, if the potential compensation amount exceeds $15,000, the courts become involved. This legal complexity necessitates the guidance of an experienced child injury lawyer in Chesterfield, MO, to ensure that proper documents are filed, your rights are protected, and more.
Have You Been Injured In An Accident? Contact Morelli Law
877-751-9800Why the Initial Insurance Settlement Offer Is Not Enough
The insurance company’s approach to providing compensation is often driven by profit and minimizing payouts. Insurance adjusters may seek to settle the claim quickly and for a lower amount than what is fair and necessary to fully compensate your child for their injuries. Their focus is on protecting the company’s bottom line rather than prioritizing the well-being of the child.
How Hiring a Child Injury Lawyer Impacts Your Case
If you are weighing the pros and cons of hiring a Chesterfield child injury attorney, the benefit of retaining legal help wins in the long run. Instead of guessing if you are leaving money on the table with insurers or contemplating if your rights are being fairly handled, our child injury lawyers ensure that from the moment that we begin working with you.
Our primary focus is to safeguard your interests, advocate on your behalf, and secure maximum compensation. We approach each personal injury case differently, instead of using an equation to figure out average costs like the insurance company. We are committed to your child’s future.
Contact our Chesterfield Personal Injury Lawyers today
877-751-9800Compensation Available for a Child Injury Settlement
In a child injury settlement, the available compensation aims to address the physical, emotional, and financial repercussions of the injury on the child and their family. The types of compensation that may be included in a child injury settlement can vary based on the case’s specifics but generally include:
- Medical Expenses: Compensation for past, present, and future medical costs related to the child’s injury, such as hospital bills, surgeries, medication, therapy, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical care.
- Lost Earning Capacity: Compensation for any loss of future earning potential if the child’s injury results in long-term or permanent disability affecting their ability to work.
- Pain and Suffering: Damages awarded to address the physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish experienced by the child due to the injury and its aftermath.
- Disability and Impairment: Compensation for any permanent disability, impairment, or disfigurement resulting from the injury that may impact the child’s quality of life and future opportunities.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Damages awarded to compensate the child for the loss of enjoyment in life activities due to the injury.
- Future Care Costs: Compensation for the future care and support required for the child’s recovery and well-being, including ongoing medical treatment, therapy, and assistance with daily activities.
- Educational Expenses: Compensation for educational costs and support if the child’s injury affects their schooling or necessitates special educational services.
- Loss of Parental Consortium: Compensation for the impact on the parent-child relationship if the child’s injury affects this bond.
- Punitive Damages: In cases of extreme negligence or intentional harm, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the responsible party and prevent similar misconduct.
Time Limits for Child Injury Cases in Missouri
In Missouri, there is a statute of limitations that determines how long you have to file a lawsuit for a child injury. The time limit typically starts from the date of the injury or when it was discovered for traditional personal injury cases. For child injury cases in Missouri, kids can assert legal action when they turn 21.
There are caveats to this, so it is important to consult with a child injury lawyer in Chesterfield, to understand the specific time constraints that apply to your child’s case to ensure you don’t miss the deadline.
Legal Arguments for Child Injury Cases
To build a compelling case against the at-fault party, a thorough assessment of your case is needed primarily. The following considerations may be used as arguments on your behalf:
- Attractive Nuisance Doctrine: Missouri recognizes the attractive nuisance doctrine, which holds property owners liable for injuries to children caused by dangerous conditions or objects on their property that attract children. Property owners have a duty to take reasonable steps to prevent harm to children who may be drawn to these hazards.
- Duty of Care: The primary basis for liability in child injury cases is the duty of care owed to the child. This means the defendant, whether a property owner, product manufacturer, or other party, had a responsibility to exercise reasonable care to prevent harm to children. Establishing a clear duty of care is crucial.
Reach Out to Our Chesterfield Child Injury Lawyers Today
The Chesterfield child injury attorneys at Morelli Law Firm know how difficult this is for you and your family. Our attorneys will help guide you each step of the way, from speaking to the insurance company on your behalf to aggressively representing you in court, if a settlement can not be reached.
Contact us when you are ready to let our legal professionals do the heavy lifting so that you can give your undivided attention to your child and their recovery.
Call or text 877-751-9800 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form