James Frazier | | Child Injuries
Every year, numerous children in Florida suffer injuries due to accidents that could have been prevented with proper care and supervision.

How a Florida Child Injury Lawyer Can Help Your Family

How Common Are Child Injury Claims in Florida?

Every year, numerous children in Florida suffer injuries due to accidents that could have been prevented with proper care and supervision. These incidents, which can lead to significant physical, emotional, and financial burdens, often prompt families to seek legal recourse. A Florida child injury lawyer, such as those at Paul | Knopf | Bigger, play a crucial role in helping these families secure compensation for various damages, including:

  • Medical expenses (both short-term and long-term)
  • Emotional and physical therapy costs
  • Doctor and specialist bills
  • Pain and suffering
  • Property damage

Florida Child Injury Lawyer

Common Florida Locations for Child Injuries

Injuries to children can occur in a variety of settings, some of which might seem surprisingly low-risk. Common locations include:

Playgrounds, Parks, and Pools

Despite regulations mandating the maintenance of safe environments, children often get hurt due to neglect or inadequate safety measures by park officials or pool directors.

Theme Parks

While major amusement parks usually prioritize customer safety, lapses can occur. When rides malfunction or maintenance is insufficient, children can suffer severe, sometimes life-altering injuries.

Schools

Schools are frequent sites of childhood injuries. These can result from the actions of neglectful or irresponsible staff members, making it essential for parents to hold those responsible for their child’s harm accountable.

When to Contact a Florida Child Injury Lawyer

If your child has been injured, it’s vital to consult a Florida child injury lawyer as soon as possible. Prompt legal action can significantly improve your chances of a successful outcome. Additionally, Florida’s statute of limitations requires that legal claims be filed within a specific timeframe. Contact the experienced Florida child injury lawyers at Paul | Knopf | Bigger for guidance and support.

When it comes to personal injury lawsuits in Florida, cases involving children differ significantly from those involving adults.

Differences Between Child and Adult Injury Lawsuits in Florida

When it comes to personal injury lawsuits in Florida, cases involving children differ significantly from those involving adults. These differences include variations in the statute of limitations, the inability of minors to file claims on their own, and the adjusted “reasonable person” standard that considers a child’s age and maturity. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for ensuring that injured children receive appropriate legal representation and compensation.

1. Statute of Limitations for Child Injuries

Florida’s statute of limitations for filing personal injury claims is generally two years. However, minors are given special consideration. Florida Statutes section 95.051(i) allows up to seven years from the cause of action, provided certain conditions are met. These include situations where the child’s parent or guardian does not exist, has conflicting interests, or is deemed incapacitated.

For birth injury lawsuits, where the effects of negligence may not be immediately apparent, the statute of repose can extend up to eight years but no later than the child’s eighth birthday.

2. Legal Standing for Minors

In Florida, children under 18 cannot file personal injury claims on their own. Instead, their natural guardians (usually parents) can pursue claims on their behalf. If the claim exceeds $15,000, court approval is necessary, and funds may be held in a restricted account to ensure they are used for the child’s benefit.

Parents may also have separate claims for medical expenses and other losses incurred due to their child’s injury. Seeking prompt legal advice is crucial to navigate these complexities.

3. Reasonable Person Standard for Children

The “reasonable person” standard, commonly used in personal injury cases, is adjusted for children based on their age, maturity, and intelligence. For example, property owners in Florida must take extra precautions to prevent children from accessing “attractive nuisances” like swimming pools or trampolines, recognizing that children may not fully understand the risks involved.

Additional Considerations for Child Injury Cases

When handling child injury cases, several unique factors must be considered:

  • Parental Claims: Parents might have independent claims for the financial costs and emotional distress resulting from their child’s injury.
  • Future Needs: The potential long-term impact on the child’s health and well-being must be assessed to ensure adequate compensation.
  • Expert Testimony: Child injury cases often require testimony from medical and psychological experts to accurately convey the extent of the injury and its impact on the child’s life.

Paul | Knopf | Bigger - Florida Injury Attorneys

Why Choose a Florida Child Injury Lawyer?

Selecting the proper legal representation is critical in child injury cases. Florida child injury lawyers bring specialized knowledge and experience to the table, ensuring that your family’s rights are protected and that you receive the compensation needed to move forward.

Key Benefits of Hiring a Florida Child Injury Lawyer at Paul | Knopf | Bigger

  • Expertise in Child Injury Law: Knowledge of specific statutes and legal precedents that apply to child injury cases.
  • Comprehensive Case Evaluation: Thorough assessment of the incident, gathering of evidence, and consultation with experts.
  • Negotiation Skills: Ability to negotiate effectively with insurance companies and opposing parties.
  • Court Representation: Skilled representation in court to advocate for your child’s best interests.

Childhood injuries can have devastating effects on families, but legal recourse is available. Florida child injury lawyers are equipped to handle these sensitive cases with the care and expertise needed to secure just compensation. If your child has been injured due to someone else’s negligence, don’t hesitate to seek legal help. Contact the experienced Florida child injury lawyers at Paul | Knopf | Bigger to explore your options and protect your child’s future.

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