Columbus Child Injury Lawyer
For any parent, the prospect of their child suffering a serious or life-threatening injury is a worst-case scenario. The unfortunate reality is that these injuries are a common occurrence. Due to the lack of development, juveniles lack the reasoning skills that can often prevent serious harm. What’s more, their physical development often results in debilitating conditions.
If your son or daughter was harmed through an act of negligence, they could be entitled to financial compensation with the help of a compassionate civil lawyer. Before you consider a settlement offer or attempt to file a lawsuit on your own, you might benefit from a discussion with our experienced personal injury attorney. Contact a Columbus child injury lawyer at Bence Law Firm, LLC to learn more.
Common Examples of Childhood Injuries
There are many ways for children to suffer harm in Columbus. Some of these incidents are no more or less likely to happen to an adult, while other circumstances are largely limited to juveniles. A proactive child injury attorney in Columbus may pursue legal action under either scenario. Some of the situations where these incidents could occur include the following:
- Falls
- Defective products
- Swimming accidents
- Sports-related incidents
- Motor vehicle collisions
- Exposure to harmful materials
Whether or not these injuries make for a viable case for a monetary award depends on the question of negligence.
Liability for Child Injuries
In these cases, liability is determined by proving the defendant was legally negligent. This requires showing that an adult breached their duty of care towards the child, resulting in their injuries. While these parties generally require the same standard of proof in civil cases, children are owed a higher duty of care in many situations.
One example is the “attractive nuisance doctrine” found in the Official Code of Georgia § 51-3-3(c). According to this doctrine, if a landowner fails to adequately restrict access to something considered an “attractive nuisance,” such as construction equipment or an abandoned well, they may be held liable for any harm an underage trespasser suffers.
Parents can seek assistance from a seasoned Columbus child injury attorney to navigate these complex matters. David Bence could help determine the applicable duty of care based on individual circumstances and structure a civil case accordingly. The aggressive pursuit of fair compensation is one of the best ways legal counsel can help with these matters.
Possible Damages in a Child Accident Case
The physical, mental, and financial toll these incidents can take is often substantial. When parents pursue their legal options following an act of negligence, their offspring could secure the financial support they need to recover and live comfortably. Some examples of available damages include the following:
- Disfigurement
- Pain and suffering
- Lost future earning capacity
- Past and future medical expenses
Filing a Claim for the Wrongful Death of a Child
Facing this kind of traumatic loss through a tragic accident is a terrible thing no parent wants to face. In situations where an act of negligence was responsible for a child’s loss of life, a wrongful death lawsuit might be appropriate. This type of lawsuit could provide the parents or guardians with resources they need while they cope with these tragic events, including:
- Medical costs
- Burial expenses
- Funeral expenses
- Emotional distress
- Loss of relationships
It is impossible for money to change what happened in these situations, but these legal claims may provide a measure of justice to surviving relatives.
Call a Child Injury Attorney in Columbus Today
The health and well-being of your children is no doubt your top priority. Dealing with these issues is never easy as a parent, but the good news is that you have options. By working with a Columbus child injury lawyer to pursue a lawsuit against the negligent party, you could secure financial compensation for your loved one. Call Bence Law Firm, LLC today to learn more.