Middletown Child Injury Lawyer

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Child Injury Attorney in Middletown, CT

An injury to a child can harm the future of an entire family. Injuries often happen without warning, whether caused by a car accident, an incident at school or daycare, or a defective toy. If your child was injured due to the negligence or recklessness of another person, a Middletown child injury lawyer can pursue compensation for all your damages.

The attorneys at Weber & Rubano have decades of experience in seeking and recovering compensation for our clients’ injuries. We are licensed to handle civil and criminal cases in Connecticut, and our Middletown personal injury lawyers can provide you with seasoned legal representation. We proudly take on even the most challenging cases and can work hard to get you a positive outcome.

Middletown Child Injury Lawyer

Common Types of Injury Cases Involving Children

In most cases, if a child or their parents want to recover damages after an injury, it needs to be the result of someone’s negligence. Accidents can occur almost anywhere. Middletown, CT, is a safe place to live, but someone could be speeding down Route 9 or Route 77 and cause an accident that results in a child sustaining significant injuries, or they could be hit by a car as they cross the street in their Westfield neighborhood.

While auto accidents are a common cause of child injuries, children can get hurt in many ways. Research by Safe Kids Connecticut showed over 140,000 emergency room visits to Connecticut Children’s Medical Center between 2021 and 2023. Falls account for almost 28,000 hospital visits each year. Some of the most common causes of injury include:

  • Falling on the playground at school or daycare
  • Dog bites
  • Booster seat failures
  • Poisoning
  • School bus accidents
  • Birth injuries

Possible Damages in a Child Injury Claim

When a child is injured, it can have long-term and even life-long consequences. In some cases, the extent of the damage may not be immediately apparent. An injury may impair their physical and mental development, affect their education, and reduce their future earning capacity.

In a Connecticut child injury case, parents may be eligible to seek compensation for:

  • Medical expenses. These can include the emergency room visit, surgeries, hospital stays, and rehabilitation.
  • Loss of wages. If a parent must take time off from work, they could recover compensation for their lost income.

A Middletown child injury attorney may also seek compensation for the child’s:

  • Pain and suffering
  • Future medical expenses
  • Permanent disability or disfigurement

It’s important to consider the long-term effects of a child’s injuries when pursuing compensation. An experienced attorney familiar with child injury laws can determine how an injury may affect them in the future.

Possible Negligent Parties in a Child Injury Claim

Depending on the circumstances of the accident and the place where a child was injured, several parties could be negligent. Some possible negligent parties include:

  • Drivers. A reckless driver who causes an accident may be held liable if they acted negligently behind the wheel.
  • Property owners. A property owner whose dog bit a child while in their yard could be held liable for their animal’s behavior. Similarly, if a homeowner had an unlocked gate to their pool, and the child fell in, they could be considered negligent.
  • School officials. Teachers, administrators, bus drivers, and support staff could all be negligent if a child was not kept safe while on school property.

Evidence Needed in a Child Injury Case

If you decide to file a child injury claim, you’ll need strong evidence to back up your case. The types of evidence used to prove negligence may include:

  • Pictures and video footage. Video may come from a security camera or a witness’s phone camera.
  • Witness statements. Bystanders who happened to see the accident can be important evidence in an injury case. Your attorney can get their official statements.
  • Medical records. Hospital records, doctor’s notes, and diagnostic tests can provide details of the child’s injuries.
  • Expert testimony. An expert witness can explain how an injury happened and how it can have long-term effects on a child’s development.
  • Incident or police report. The official report detailing the accident can establish a timeline and facts.

Why Hire a Child Injury Lawyer?

If your child was injured due to the misconduct or negligence of another person, it’s important to hire a child injury lawyer to protect your rights and those of your child. An experienced attorney can work to hold the person accountable and seek the compensation your child deserves.

FAQs

What If My Child Was Injured Due to Medical Negligence in Connecticut?

If your child was injured due to medical negligence in Connecticut, you could recover compensation for damages. An attorney with experience in child injuries can determine if you have a case and represent you through the complex legal process, which includes a statute of limitations of two years from the date the injury was first discovered.

Can a Child Injury Settlement Be Reached Without Going to Court in Connecticut?

A settlement can be reached in a Connecticut child injury case without going to court, but it needs approval from a judge. The court will review the proposed settlement amount to make sure it is in the best interest of the child. The decision to settle out of court or go to trial depends on the strength of your case and the amount of the settlement.

What Happens to Settlement Funds Awarded to an Injured Child in Connecticut?

According to Connecticut law, CGS § 45a-631, settlement funds awarded to an injured child in this state are overseen by the probate court, which will make sure they are protected until the child is either 18 or old enough to make their own decisions. In some cases, the funds are placed in a trust; in others, the court approves a structured settlement with periodic payments.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Connecticut Child Injury Lawyer?

Child injury lawyers usually work on a contingency basis. This means they don’t charge any fees upfront. They only get paid if they obtain compensation in the case. If they win, they take a percentage of the settlement as payment and also charge the settlement funds for fees related to the case, such as court filing fees, expert witness fees, and the cost of obtaining medical records.

Contact a Child Injury Attorney

When a child suffers an injury because of someone else’s negligence, it can be devastating physically, mentally, and financially. As a parent or guardian, you should not have to face the complex legal system alone. The attorneys at Weber & Rubano have the experience to pursue a positive outcome. They can manage your case so you can concentrate on helping your child heal. Contact us today for a consultation.