If your son or daughter was injured, they are entitled to financial compensation for their injuries, just as an injured adult would be. In the state of Georgia, a minor cannot file a lawsuit even if they are injured as the result of negligence on the part of another person or entity. A parent can file a lawsuit on behalf of a child in Georgia, though.
When a child is involved in an accident, the laws that govern cases involving adults still apply, but many will have caveats due to your child’s age. It can be complicated to sort it all out on your own. A personal injury lawyer in your area who is familiar with the state’s personal injury and insurance laws can help you build a strong case for compensation on behalf of your son or daughter.
Your Child Has Rights if Their Injuries Were the Result of Negligence
When someone else’s negligence is the cause of your child’s injuries, that person can be held financially accountable for their actions. To pursue damages, the state requires you to prove the at-fault party’s negligence.
In Georgia, a personal injury lawyer will help you prove the following:
- The negligent party owed your child a reasonable duty of care
- The negligent party breached their responsibility to safeguard your child
- Their action or lack of action caused your child’s physical injuries
- Your child’s accident and injuries have financial consequences
Your lawyer will conduct an investigation into the accident and gather evidence that proves liability. Once their investigation is complete, they will calculate the known and anticipated costs of your child’s injuries and the expenses that stem from them.
Your Injured Child is Entitled to Financial Compensation
All medical care required to treat and alleviate your child’s injuries can be recovered via a personal injury insurance claim or lawsuit. It can be tempting to accept a speedy settlement offer, but it can also limit your financial recovery.
In addition to medical care throughout their recovery, additional recoverable damages can include:
- Physical and emotional pain and suffering
- Loss of future wages and earning capacity
- Lasting disability and disfiguring injuries
The at-fault party’s insurance company may work to undervalue or deny your claim. The lawyer you hire will work to achieve the best possible result for you and your child.
We will explain how O.C.G.A. § 29-3-3 impacts your child’s damage recovery and affects your role as their parent. You do not have to figure all this out on your own. Our team will help you fight for your child.
For a free legal consultation, call (404) 888-8888
The Typical Statute of Limitations Will Change Because of Your Child’s Age
In the state of Georgia, the personal injury statute of limitations is generally two years, according to O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33, with the statutory clock starting its countdown on the day of the accident.
For injured minors, however, they could have until two years after their eighteenth birthday to file a lawsuit. In addition to your child’s age, many other factors can cause the statute of limitations to fluctuate.
The best way to understand its nuances and to protect your child’s right to seek compensation is to let our personal injury law firm handle the time management aspect of your child’s case for you.
A Personal Injury Attorney Can Help You Make Sense of Your Child’s Case
All personal injury cases are complicated because they can hinge on one person’s word versus another. When the injured party is a minor, they may not have the verbal capacity to explain their point of view or version of the events that led to their accident.
When you and your child are represented by a personal injury lawyer, they will conduct an investigation into the cause of your child’s accident. They will also:
- Collect evidence that establishes financial liability
- Explain Georgia law and how it impacts your case
- Negotiate with the at-fault party’s insurance company
- Represent your son or daughter in court if needed
Your attorney can protect your child’s rights and work to hold the liable party accountable for their actions. Most personal injury lawyers will also represent your family at no upfront costs, which can help you avoid a potentially costly delay in seeking compensation for your son or daughter.
Review Your Injury Case at No Cost
As their parent, you can file a lawsuit on behalf of your injured child in Georgia. We understand that if your son or daughter was injured in an accident, you want to focus all your time and energy on their physical and emotional recovery. When our law firm represents you, you can do just that while we focus our time and energy on their financial recovery.
Contact one of our case review team members at Bader Scott Injury Lawyers to start fighting for your child’s rights today.
Call or text (404) 888-8888 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
