Edwardsville Child Injury Lawyer

Navigating the legal system can be daunting, especially when it involves seeking justice for a child who has been injured. As compassionate and experienced Edwardsville child injury lawyers, we are here to offer parents or guardians like you a sense of empowerment and assurance in your pursuit of justice for your little one.

The Morelli Law Firm focuses on compassionate but aggressive legal guidance, protecting the well-being of children fearlessly for over 25 years. Our Edwardsville personal injury lawyers are committed to providing families with the legal representation they need to hold wrongdoers accountable and secure the compensation necessary for their child’s recovery. 

Explore the basics of filing an Illinois child injury lawsuit, and trust us to be your advocate and ally in the fight for your child’s rights.

How to Build a Strong Legal Case for Your Child’s Injury Claim

Building a strong legal case for a Belleville child injury claim involves several key steps:

• Thorough Investigation:

1. 1. • Gather all relevant evidence, including medical records, police reports, witness statements, and any other documentation related to the incident.
      • Conduct a comprehensive analysis of the accident circumstances to identify the root causes and responsible parties.

• Expert Consultation:

1. 1. • Consult with medical professionals, such as physicians, psychologists, and rehabilitation specialists, to fully understand the extent of your child’s injuries and long-term prognosis.
      • Engage with economic experts to project the child’s future care needs and lost earning potential, if applicable.

• Damage Quantification:

1. 1. • Meticulously calculate all past and anticipated expenses related to the child’s medical treatment, rehabilitation, specialized educational needs, and any other costs directly resulting from the injury.
      • Determine the appropriate compensation for the child’s pain, suffering, and diminished quality of life.

• Documentation and Evidence Presentation:

1. 1. • Carefully document all injuries, treatments, and the impact on the child’s and family’s lives.
      • Organize and present the evidence in a clear, compelling manner to demonstrate the full extent of the harm caused and the need for just compensation.

• Negotiation and Settlement:

• • • Engage in strategic negotiations with the responsible party’s insurance providers or legal representatives to secure the maximum possible settlement.
    • If a fair settlement cannot be reached, be prepared to take the case to trial and present a strong, well-supported argument before the court.

While you are busy catering to the needs of your child, our skilled child injury attorney in Belleville, IL, can build a robust legal case, maximize the potential compensation, and help secure a brighter future for the injured child and their family.

How Much Can Be Won in Child Injury Lawsuit?

The most important thing is ensuring your child receives the care and support they need after a serious injury. The amount that can be recovered in a child injury lawsuit in Belleville, Illinois, will depend on the unique circumstances of the case, but generally includes the following:

• Medical Expenses: Both current and future medical costs related to treating the injury, including hospitalization, surgeries, rehabilitation, assistive devices, and any long-term care needs.
• Lost Earning Potential: Calculations of how the injury may impact your child’s ability to earn income over their lifetime based on factors like their age, education, and career prospects.
• Pain and Suffering: This accounts for the physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life your child has experienced due to the injury.
• Caregiver Costs: Compensation for wages or income lost by parents or other caregivers who had to take time off work to care for the injured child.
• Disruption to Education: Coverage for any special educational accommodations, tutoring, or alternative learning programs needed due to the impact of the injury.
• Diminished Quality of Life: Accounts for the child’s reduced ability to participate in normal childhood activities and experiences.

In especially egregious cases, the court may also award punitive damages, which are intended to punish the responsible party and deter similar behavior in the future. With the guidance of an experienced Belleville child injury attorney, you won’t have to settle for a lowball offer from the responsible party’s insurer. 

The Timeline for Filing a Child Injury Claim

Personal injury claims generally have to be filed within two years if it is an adult victim, but for children, Illinois’ statute of limitations allows kids to wait until they are 18 years old to file a claim. Waiting has its setbacks, so it is recommended that you seek legal action immediately after taking your child to seek medical attention. After retaining us, the following legal processes begin:

Initial Filing and Investigation

After consulting with our experienced Belleville child injury attorney, the process typically begins with filing a formal lawsuit, which can take one to two months. Your lawyer will then spend several months thoroughly investigating the incident, gathering evidence, and building the strongest possible case.

Settlement Negotiations

In many cases, the insurance company or responsible party may make a settlement offer to try to resolve the claim out of court. This can happen within twelve months of the initial filing.

Your attorney will review any settlement proposals and negotiate to ensure you receive fair compensation for your child’s injuries and losses.

Litigation and Trial (if Needed)

If a reasonable settlement cannot be reached, the case will proceed to litigation and potentially a trial. The litigation process may take over a year as both sides exchange evidence, take depositions, and prepare for trial. If the case goes to trial, it may take several days or even weeks for a verdict to be reached.

Overall, a child injury lawsuit in Illinois can take anywhere from one to three years on average but having an attorney from the Morelli Law Firm will expedite each phase and allow your case to move smoothly without stopping. 

Let Our Edwardsville Child Injury Lawyers Protect Your Child

As a parent, your top priority is ensuring your child’s wellbeing and providing for their future. By taking legal action against those responsible for your child’s injuries, you are demonstrating your unwavering commitment to their health, safety, and long-term quality of life. 

Our Edwardsville child injury attorney can fight tirelessly on your family’s behalf, securing the maximum compensation to cover your child’s medical needs, safeguard their financial future, and give them the best chance at a full recovery. We have a resourceful firm with the case results to match.

Contact the Morelli Law Firm today to discuss your legal options and take the first step toward justice and healing for your child.