In 2020, nearly three million children visited an ER because of an injury. Falls were the most common cause of an ER visit, but 19 in every 1000 children aged 1-14 were admitted because of being struck by something, whether an object or a person. Insect and animal bites were other less common causes of injuries in children.
Other types of injury:
- Daycare injuries
- Playground accidents
- Medical malpractice
- Defective product claims
- Swimming pool accidents
- Firearm accidents
- Poisoning
With so many potential dangers facing kids today, it’s crucial to have an experienced personal injury lawyer you can trust if your child suffers a serious injury. Attorney Chris Hammons, one of the founding partners at LHL Law, recommends five things you should consider when choosing one.
Relevant Experience
If your child has been injured due to someone else’s negligence, one of the most important things to look for in a personal injury lawyer who is comfortable with child injury cases. Personal injury lawyers always have specialisms, like car accidents or wrongful death. The more experience they have in a specific area, the better the outcome will be. Say, for example, your child was injured by a drunk driver while cycling on a road, you need a lawyer with relevant experience. 2% of all motor vehicle accident deaths involve cyclists, with 19 females 19 and under killed in 2021.
Board Certification in Personal Injury Law
You’ll also want to verify if the lawyer is board-certified in personal injury law or child advocacy law. Board certification indicates an attorney has taken advanced legal education and has demonstrated skills in handling personal injury cases. A board-certified lawyer stays on top of the latest legal developments that could impact your child’s case.
Choose a Lawyer Your Child Feels Comfortable With
Since your child is the injured victim, you want a personal injury lawyer with whom your child feels comfortable. Young children especially may feel intimidated dealing with legal processes and professionals. Look for a lawyer like Chris Hammons who connects well with your child, makes them feel at ease, listens attentively, and patiently answers their questions. While negotiating settlements, pursuing fair compensation and winning cases are crucial, bedside manner is also important.
Reputation of the Lawyer
In addition to specialized experience and board certification, the reputation and results a personal injury attorney has obtained for child clients can give you confidence that they’re the right lawyer to advocate for your child. Comb through online reviews, check with your state bar association for any disciplinary issues, and ask the lawyer for references from former child clients. Verify the success rate and average compensation amounts the lawyer has won for kids.
Settlements vary depending on the exact circumstances of the case but can range from $15,000 to $25,000 for less complex cases. High settlement amounts and favorable verdicts in complex, high-profile pediatric injury cases indicate an attorney has a lot of experience.
Personalized Attention
Every child’s injury case is unique and a cookie-cutter legal approach won’t suffice. You want an attorney who will give your child’s case focused time and attention. Make sure the lawyer you choose will be directly involved in your child’s representation rather than handing the case off to inexperienced junior associates. Ask how they communicate with clients and get your questions answered quickly. Personal attention to your child’s situation can help maximize their compensation.
Finally, ask about contingency fee structures so you don’t pay exorbitant upfront costs. A lawyer who reduces anxieties around the claims process can help you and your child feel empowered in securing the settlement they deserve.
