Pain and suffering make it tough being an accident victim. However, it is even tougher when you are a child. Because of their lack of knowledge and experience, children are more vulnerable to the hazards and uncertainties of our complex world. According to the Center for Disease Control, at least one adolescent (10-19 years old) dies of an injury every hour of every day; about 15,000 die each year. Injuries kill more adolescents than all diseases combined. For every injury death, there are about 41 injury hospitalizations and 1100 cases treated in emergency departments. Unintentional injury accounts for around 60% of adolescent injury deaths, while violence (homicide and suicide) accounts for the remaining 40%.

Legal claims involving children can involve complex legal and technical issues. The following are a few important legal, factual and evidentiary matters that should be considered when evaluating a claim.

• How old is the child?

• When, where, and how did the accident occur?

• Are there any witnesses?

• Were any photographs or videos taken of the accident or injuries?

• Did the accident occur at home, at school, at child care,  or during recreation?

• Did the accident occur during a sports activity?

• Did the accident involve the use of a product such as a bicycle, toy or dangerous item?

• Is the product available?

• Did the accident involve a toxic product?

• Did the incident involve a crime?

• Did the injury result from an assault by another child?

• Did a person of trust take unfair advantage of a child or minor?

• Did the police investigate the incident?

• Who was responsible to supervise the child?

• Did the accident involve a motor vehicle?

• What are the nature and extent of all injuries?

• Did the accident involve a head injury?

• Was the child in good health prior to the accident?

• Has the child missed any school?

• Has the child been prevented form participating in any activities?

• Did the child suffer any scarring, loss of body parts, or disfigurement?

• Did the child sustain a permanent injury?

• Has the child demonstrated any adverse psychological injuries?

• Is there the possibility of adverse long term health problems?

When a child is injured, it is important that an experienced legal team make a thorough evaluation of the causes of the accident. Complex legal and safety issues may be involved. If your child is injured in a car, on the playground, by a dangerous product, or anywhere, you should take immediate steps to protect their interest. Do not compromise your child’s legal rights by making statements to the press, insurance investigators, potential defendants, or their representatives. Always first, consult with an experienced personal injury attorney. Consider the suggestions in our accident guide, and call us immediately. We are here to help. At Larry King, P.C., we love helping children and recognize their special needs. You can call us at 595-8100 or e-mail us at info@larrykinglaw.com seven days a week, 24 hours a day, everyday of the year. We also offer a free legal-infoline service, and you can now contact us on this web site by using our Personal Injury Contact form. We are committed to doing the extra things it takes to help our clients. If you would like to know more, make a selection from the above box.