Common Injuries to Children in Terre Haute

Children are always busy exploring and learning, but they also lack the life experience to keep themselves safe and prevent harm. For this reason, accidents leading to injury are unfortunately common in childhood. However, accidents that result from negligence, such as reckless driving or a lack of supervision, can be particularly harmful.

When that occurs, parents and guardians may pursue legal action to obtain a settlement from the responsible parties. If your child was hurt in an accident, our child injury attorneys can provide information and guidance regarding the common injuries to children in Terre Haute.

What Are the Most Typical Causes of Childhood Injuries?

When it comes to negligent injury cases, we are not talking about simple falls on the playground. Some of the most frequent causes of severe child injuries in Terre Haute include:

• Vehicle collisions: These are the most common cause of severe and often permanent injuries for minors.
• Dog bites and attacks: These incidents can potentially leave children with severe physical injuries and emotional harm.
• Playground accidents: There can be legal recourse when these are caused by poor maintenance, faulty equipment, or a lack of adequate supervision.
• Accidental drownings or near drownings: These accidents occur from a lack of supervision or unsecured pools that allow young children access.
• Bicycle accidents: Bike crashes are particularly dangerous when children are not wearing helmets or other protective gear.
• Burns and scalds: These often occur from hot liquids or coming in contact with hot surfaces.
• Faulty products: Children can be hurt from explosions, crushing injuries, or strangulation from dangerous and defective toys, clothing, or furniture.

According to the Indiana State Department of Health, boys have higher rates of emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and fatalities from injuries than girls, with car crashes and accidental drowning being among the most common. Research consistently shows that young boys take more physical risks and therefore experience substantially more unintentional injuries than young girls in the same age range.

Claims Process for Child Injury

After a minor suffers injuries in an incident caused by negligence, a thorough investigation to find the cause and the responsible party is crucial. That includes gathering essential evidence, interviewing witnesses, consulting with experts, and carefully analyzing the situation to determine liability. The investigation may also require accident reconstruction, fire investigation, and forensic analysis, depending on the specifics of the case.

Insurance Companies

Insurance company communication is also necessary after an accident caused by someone else’s negligence. Many cases settle in this phase rather than proceeding to civil court litigation. However, insurance companies typically offer low settlement offers and attempt to close the claims as quickly as possible. A Terre Haute attorney experienced with cases involving common child injuries can handle the negotiations on your behalf, helping ensure you receive the maximum potential payout from the party at fault.

Civil Court Action

If settlement talks are unsuccessful, the next step is filing a claim in civil court, which requires building a case to demonstrate that each element of liability is present. The case must show that the defendant knew or should have known of the risk, failed to act reasonably, and their actions directly led to the preventable accident and injuries your child suffered. Our diligent lawyers can help you through the process and answer all of your questions during an initial meeting.

Speak to a Terre Haute Attorney About Common Causes of Child Injuries

You can seek compensation from the responsible party if their negligent actions led to a preventable accident that caused your child severe injuries. While accidents are more common among younger children, it is adults’ responsibility to supervise and protect them.

When they fail to do so, your child can suffer the severe and lasting consequences of their actions. Call Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin today to schedule a consultation with a seasoned lawyer to learn more about common injuries to children in Terre Haute.