For many Nevada parents, a severe injury affecting their children may be one of their worst nightmares. While far too many children are the victims of intentional violence daily, many more kids are injured as a result of someone else’s negligence, including those who were supposed to be responsible for providing care. These injuries may prompt parents to turn to a Las Vegas injury attorney for help, as they can come with severe consequences, including hefty medical bills, extensive childcare costs and even long-term disabilities that can alter a child’s future.
The Threat of Childhood Injuries
Children may face unexpected hazards from a variety of sources, including injuries at school, at a day care center or even as a result of medical malpractice, such as the following:
- Dog bites and animal injuries
- Birth injuries
- Playground injuries
- Accidental poisoning
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Traumatic brain injuries and other sports trauma
- Swimming pool incidents
- Defective toy injuries
Medical professionals, schools, and daycare centers have a responsibility to exercise a duty of care for the children in their charge. In many cases, negligence on the part of these institutions or their employees is directly linked to a child’s catastrophic injury. For a better understanding of how negligence can play a role in such situations, check out our blog on child care safety laws and personal injury prevention.
Violations of the Duty of Care
Any person or institution that knowingly accepts responsibility to care for a child is responsible for ensuring his or her safety during that time. This includes providing adequate supervision to prevent the child from engaging in dangerous behavior. Because children’s brains are not thoroughly developed, they cannot be held responsible for contributory negligence in the same way as adults.
When a child is injured, it is particularly important to seek competent medical care and advice. A Las Vegas injury attorney can also help parents understand the actual costs that may be associated with a child’s injury. For example, parents may face not only current medical bills but also future expenses, as well as lost wages and pain and suffering. If your child’s injury occurred due to a car accident, it’s crucial to know how to properly document a car crash for future legal proceedings.
Understanding the Limitations Period
Children may not file a lawsuit for the damages they have suffered as a result of someone else’s negligence. However, their parents or adult guardians can work with the best personal injury lawyer Las Vegas to pursue compensation for these damages. The statute of limitations can be particularly relevant; parents are often responsible for filing a lawsuit before the limitations period expires. In other types of personal injury cases, a child may file a suit after his or her 18th birthday for the injury if their parents did not previously seek compensation.
If your child has been injured due to someone else’s negligent behavior, you can act. Contact the best personal injury lawyer Las Vegas at The Schnitzer Law Firm with the experience to help you get the compensation you need. Call us at 702-960-4050 or use our secure online form to schedule a consultation appointment.