Child Injury Lawyer in Fort Worth
Get help if your child suffered a playground accident
Accidents involving children can be especially frightening and confusing to parents. With children being much more vulnerable to suffering serious personal injuries than adults, even the most minor accidents could have a catastrophic effect on the life of a child. These injuries can cause permanent damage physically and emotionally and result in years of painful physical rehabilitation, therapy, and medical bills.
All too often, children suffer serious injuries due to no fault of their own. If your child has been injured as a result of the careless actions of other people or companies, your family shouldn't have to pay for somebody else's mistakes. Contact an experienced child injury lawyer in Fort Worth who can protect your rights. Contact Coby L. Wooten, Attorney at Law, P.C. today. You could be entitled to the compensation for your child's medical bills and other expenses due to their personal injury accident.
Common child accident causes
Children often sustain serious injuries in a wide range of accidents. Children often sustain broken bones and fractures, traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord injuries. Tragically, children might also be more likely to suffer a wrongful death due to a swimming pool accident or pedestrian car accident.
Common causes of accidents involving children include:
- Car accidents where a child is a passenger
- Dangerous toys that might cause a choking hazard
- Playground slip and fall accidents
- Careless supervision around a swimming pool
- Defective car seats and other child safety equipment
- Negligent security at a restaurant, hotel or shopping mall that results in an assault of your child
- School bus accidents
- Birth injuries
What to do if your child was in a car accident
A car accident involving your child is terrifying, whether they were driving, riding as a passenger, or even struck as a pedestrian. The most important thing is to prioritize their health and take the right steps to protect their rights. If someone else was responsible for the crash, you may be able to seek compensation for your child's injuries. Here’s what to do in the following situations:
If your child was driving
Teen drivers face a higher risk of car accidents due to inexperience, distractions, and the unpredictability of other drivers. If your child was behind the wheel during a crash, here’s what to do:
- Get medical attention: Even if they feel fine, hidden injuries like concussions or internal bleeding can take time to show symptoms.
- Gather evidence: If possible, take photos, get witness contact information, and obtain a copy of the police report.
- Notify your insurance company: Report the crash, but don’t admit fault or provide detailed statements until you’ve spoken to a lawyer.
- Speak to a Fort Worth lawyer: If another driver was at fault, your child may be entitled to compensation for their medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
Car accidents involving young drivers can be legally complicated. Coby L. Wooten can help you sort out the claims process and fight for the compensation your child deserves.
If your child was a passenger
If your child was a passenger in a car that crashed, their injuries may be covered by the insurance of the at-fault driver. Whether the crash was caused by the driver of the vehicle your child was in or another motorist, take these steps:
- Seek medical care immediately to document any injuries, even minor ones.
- Get insurance details from the driver at fault, as their liability coverage should pay for medical expenses.
- Speak to a lawyer to explore your legal options, including compensation for medical bills, emotional distress, and long-term effects of the accident.
Children may suffer serious injuries even in low-speed crashes, and their long-term health should be a priority. Coby L. Wooten can help ensure that your child’s medical needs are fully covered and that you receive the compensation your family deserves.
What to do with a car seat after a car accident
A car seat is one of the most important safety devices for a child in a vehicle, but it may no longer be safe after a crash. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends replacing a car seat after a moderate or severe crash, even if it looks undamaged.
If your child was in the car seat during the crash:
- Replace it immediately. The impact may have weakened the internal structure, making it unsafe.
- Check with your insurance provider. Many policies cover car seat replacements after an accident.
If the car seat was in the vehicle but unoccupied during the crash, check the manufacturer’s guidelines. Some car seat makers recommend replacement after any accident, while others allow continued use if the crash was minor. A crash is considered minor if:
- No one was injured
- Airbags didn’t deploy
- The car seat is not visibly damaged
When in doubt, it’s always safer to replace the seat. If you’re dealing with insurance issues related to car seat replacement, Coby L. Wooten can help ensure you receive full compensation for all necessary expenses.
What is the average settlement for a child in a car accident?
The amount of a settlement for a child injured in a car accident might range from $15,000 to $25,000. In some cases, it could get up to $100,000 or more. It depends on the severity of their injuries, medical costs, and long-term effects. Compensation often covers:
- Medical bills for emergency care, hospital stays, follow-up visits, and ongoing treatment.
- Physical therapy, counseling, or other specialized treatment for recovery.
- Lost wages if a teen is unable to work due to injuries.
- Pain and suffering for a child in a car accident includes physical pain and emotional distress.
Children may experience delayed symptoms or long-term developmental challenges due to a serious injury, which is why settlements for child injuries are often higher than for adults. Insurance companies may try to downplay these claims, but Coby L. Wooten knows how to fight for the full amount your child deserves.
How a Fort Worth child injury lawyer can help you
You might think you don't need a lawyer. You might think your case is a simple, straightforward legal matter. Don't be so sure. Serious accidents demand the attention of an experienced child injury attorney in Fort Worth who gives honest answers to difficult questions. Contact Coby L. Wooten, Attorney at Law, P.C., today. Call (866) 408-0940 to schedule an appointment at our Fort Worth office. Your initial consultation is free and we don't get paid unless we win your case. That's because we work on a contingency fee basis.