It is incredibly unfortunate when children suffer harm because of another person’s negligence. In these circumstances, parents and guardians must understand their children’s legal rights under civil law. Regulations could grant them the right to file a claim and hold the at-fault party financially accountable.
When the careless actions of a person or business led to your child suffering injuries, a McAllen child injury lawyer could help you build a solid case to recover the fair award amount. Call today to schedule a consultation to learn more about how our dedicated personal injury attorneys could assist your family.
Common Childhood Accidents
Children are a particularly vulnerable group. They face many of the same hazards as adults, but their innocence and impulsiveness often put them at a higher risk of injury. Some of the most common childhood accidents our experienced McAllen attorneys handle include the following:
- Car and truck accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- School bus wrecks
- Sports injuries
- Swimming pool accidents
- Exposure to hazardous chemicals
- Playground injuries, including falls from heights
- Medical malpractice cases, including birth injuries
- Negligent supervision at school or care centers
- Faulty children’s products, including toys and clothes, causing choking or suffocation
Sadly, children can also sustain intentional harm or abuse at the hands of coaches, teachers, daycares, and other people in positions of power. Our trusted team of attorneys could investigate to find the cause of a child’s losses and the evidence needed to establish liability.
Texas Offenses Against Children Statute
Causing harm to a child through negligence or intentional actions is a severe crime in Texas that the State will prosecute harshly. According to the guidance of the Texas Penal Code § 22.04, individuals who knowingly, purposely, or recklessly cause severe bodily harm to minors are guilty of criminal child injury. Anyone guilty of intentionally, deliberately, or negligently causing severe damage to a child will receive a felony on their permanent criminal record.
Depending on the circumstances of the case, the guilty party could spend two to 99 years in prison and pay up to $10,000 in monetary penalties. A conviction for causing severe harm to a child would also provide evidence to establish fault for a settlement in civil court.
Compensation for Child Injury Cases
When someone else’s actions cause injuries to a child, the court could hold that person financially responsible. The compensation amount will depend on the extent of injuries and other case specifics. The court will also consider how the accident will affect the child’s future. After the court determines the defendant is liable for damages, they usually award compensation within two categories.
Economic Damages
Economic damages cover the total cost of medical care related to the accident, including hospital stays, doctor visits, and ongoing maintenance. The settlement could also cover physical and psychological therapy.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages cover personal losses the child suffers because of the accident. The compensation could cover emotional and mental anguish, permanent disability, and pain and suffering. A child injury attorney in McAllen could work to understand how an event has affected the child’s life to establish the total cost of damages and craft a settlement demand that adequately reflects their needs.
Let a McAllen Child Injury Attorney Advocate for Your Family
Seeing your child hurt is one of the most challenging circumstances parents and guardians can face. Civil laws could entitle you to collect compensation to cover the damage when your child is in an accident and sustains injuries because of another person’s negligence.
A compassionate and experienced McAllen child injury lawyer could advocate on your family’s behalf to help you get the justice you deserve. Call soon to schedule a meeting to begin reviewing the details of your case.