Child Injury Attorney
Almost Unforgiveable: Injuries to Your Child
Experienced Indianapolis Child Injury Lawyer
Children, by nature, are more susceptible to injuries than adults, owing to their impulsiveness, lack of experience, and smaller size. Sadly, in Indianapolis, numerous children suffer injuries annually due to negligent dog owners, faulty products, or inadequate supervision from teachers or coaches.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, accidents like drowning, burns, falls, and poisonings continue to be the leading causes of death for children in the United States from birth to age 19. Shockingly, one child every hour dies from an injury; one in five child deaths is due to injury; and every four seconds, a child is treated for an injury in an emergency department.
Child injuries are, therefore, a significant concern. If your child has suffered due to someone else’s negligence or recklessness, you have the legal entitlement to seek compensation for damages. While circumstances may differ, the law typically does not hold child injury victims accountable for actions that may have contributed to their injuries.
If your child has been involved in an accident, you may be eligible for compensation covering medical expenses, lost wages incurred while aiding in your child’s recovery, pain and suffering, and more. Consulting with an experienced child injury attorney can provide you with a better understanding of your rights and the most suitable legal avenues available. Contact us at (317) 733-5904 for a free consultation.
Contact Stephenson Rife at (317) 733-5904 to book a free phone, video, or in-person consultation.
Why Choose Stephenson Rife’s Child Injury Lawyers?
When securing legal representation for cases involving child injuries, the choice of legal counsel is paramount. Stephenson Rife child injury lawyers stand out as a preeminent choice for several compelling reasons:
- Focus on Child Injury Cases: Stephenson Rife child injury lawyers are adept in handling cases involving child injuries. This sets us apart from general personal injury law firms, as we have in-depth knowledge and experience in handling the unique legal and emotional complexities that arise in child injury cases.
- Compassionate and Child-Centered Approach: At Stephenson Rife, we recognize that child injury cases demand sensitivity and empathy that extends beyond legal expertise. Our team ensures your child’s well-being is at the forefront of every decision and action. We work closely with medical experts, child psychologists, and other specialists to build comprehensive cases that address immediate and long-term needs.
- Extensive Resources and Network: We have cultivated a vast network of resources, including access to leading medical professionals, expert witnesses, and cutting-edge investigative tools. This expansive network allows us to assemble a formidable team to support each case, ensuring all aspects are covered.
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Common Causes of Child Injury
Children can sustain injuries from a wide array of circumstances. According to the Centers for Disease Control, the following are some of the most prevalent causes of injuries in children:
- Struck by an object
- Falls
- Defective products
- Cuts
- Burns
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Poisonings
- Suffocation or choking
- Property hazards
- Sports-related injuries
- Dog bites/animal attacks
- Swimming pool accidents
- School or playground incidents
- Medical malpractice.
If your child has suffered injuries from these or any other cause, and another party is responsible, you may be eligible for compensation to address the pain and suffering you and your child have endured.
How Stephenson Rife Child Injury Attorneys Can Assist You in Your Child Injury Case
In the unfortunate event of a child’s sustaining an injury, it is essential to seek the help of Stephenson Rife child injury attorneys. We are a beacon of hope for families facing the daunting challenges accompanying such incidents. With a track record of success, we provide comprehensive support and legal expertise to ensure your child receives justice and compensation.
- Thorough Investigation: One of our strengths is our commitment to conducting thorough investigations. This includes gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, consulting with experts, and reviewing medical records to build a robust case for your injured child.
- Expert Medical Knowledge: Understanding the intricacies of pediatric injuries is crucial in building a compelling case. We work closely with medical experts to ensure that the full extent of the child’s injuries and their potential long-term impact is accurately assessed and presented in court.
- Determining Liability: Establishing liability is a crucial aspect of any child injury case. Our attorneys will work diligently to identify all responsible parties. We will evaluate factors such as negligence, premises liability, or product defects to determine who should be held accountable for your child’s injuries.
- Skilled Negotiation and Litigation: Our child injury attorneys are skilled negotiators who tirelessly advocate for the child’s and their family’s best interests. We are not afraid to take a case to court if a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiations. We leverage our extensive litigation experience to fight for the compensation the child deserves.
- Maximizing Compensation: Securing appropriate compensation is crucial to ensuring that a child receives the necessary medical care, rehabilitation, and support for their recovery. Our child injury attorneys are adept at identifying all potential avenues for compensation and diligently pursuing every available option.
You need an experienced Stephenson Rife Indianapolis child injury attorney to handle your child injury case. Contact Stephenson Rife at (317) 733-5904 to schedule a free phone, video meeting, or in-person consultation.
Liability for Child Injuries in Indianapolis
Adults and specific entities are typically expected to exercise reasonable care, especially regarding children. When children are not adequately supervised, or necessary safety measures are neglected, the parties involved may be liable in civil proceedings.
In child injury cases, liability generally arises from negligence. If an individual or party fails to act in a manner consistent with what a reasonably cautious person would do in similar circumstances, they may be deemed legally negligent.
However, it’s important to note that mere carelessness or recklessness is insufficient to establish legal negligence. Typically, there must also be direct injuries and damages resulting from that recklessness for a lawsuit to have legal validity. If the defendant’s negligence leads to a child’s sustaining an injury that results in damages, they may be held responsible for those damages. An experienced child injury attorney can assist in establishing liability.
What is the Statute of Limitations for a Child Injury Claim?
Understanding the statute of limitations in a child injury case is essential. This law dictates when a court can consider a personal injury case. In most instances, under Indiana Code § 34-11-2-4, the legal guardians of children have a maximum of two years from the injury date to file a compensation claim in court. Contacting an attorney is advisable to maximize the likelihood of meeting this deadline.
Child Injury Attorney in Indianapolis Answers Commonly Asked Questions
What kind of compensation can a child receive for their injuries?
Under Indiana law, children are entitled to receive compensation in a manner and amount equivalent to that of adults. This includes compensation to recover damages for pain and suffering and permanent injuries or disabilities. Furthermore, a parent or guardian can seek reimbursement for any medical expenses they have covered on behalf of their child.
How do I help my child after they have been injured?
The first step is to seek medical help. Given that children are especially emotionally sensitive, it’s crucial to be their steady and comforting presence. They will require extra attention and affection from their loved ones. Encourage them to express their feelings and gently guide them back into their routines once they feel prepared. Holding those responsible for their injury accountable will also aid their healing.
Who can file a lawsuit on behalf of a child?
As children under the age of 18 are unable to initiate a lawsuit on their own, it falls upon someone else to do so in their stead. Only the parent or legal guardian of the child is eligible to file a child injury lawsuit. Anyone seeking clarification on proceeding with a lawsuit for those under 18 should consult an Indianapolis child injury attorney.
Contact a Compassionate Indianapolis Child Injury Attorney
Lawsuits involving child injuries differ significantly from those involving adults. Seeking advice from an attorney well-versed in child injury law can be crucial in handling the case correctly and maximizing the chances of recovery. To seek justice for your child, contact Stephenson Rife, Indianapolis child injury lawyer, at (317) 733-5904 for a free consultation.
M. Michael Stephenson
Founding Partner
Attorney Mike Stephenson has 40 years of experience and is a trusted advisor to many individuals and companies. His current practice is dominated by civil litigation in state and federal courts. He focuses much of his time on handling catastrophic injuries caused by all types of accidents, including car wrecks, semi, industrial, product liability, and fire, just to name a few. He also works extensively in construction-related matters.
Brady J. Rife
Founding Partner
Brady Rife has developed a diverse civil litigation practice for plaintiffs throughout Indiana. Brady is heavily involved in serious personal injury matters, complex business and commercial disputes, and insurance litigation in state and federal courts. Brady has successfully tried several jury trials and bench trials as lead counsel and has also briefed multiple cases before the Indiana Court of Appeals.
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