Maison Law helps families in Redding when a child is injured in an accident. No parent ever expects their child to get seriously hurt. But the reality is, kids can face risks every day. Our team will be there to explain your options and how the legal process can help. Set up a free consultation today.
Should I Get a Lawyer If My Child is Hurt?
When your child gets hurt, it’s almost worse than if you were the one that was injured. And a question that comes up is simple: should I get a lawyer? It’s not a requirement, but for a lot of families, it makes a difficult situation easier.
Kids are resilient, but they don’t always just “bounce back” after an accident. What starts as an ER visit can turn into months of doctor checkups, therapy, or adjustments at school. Insurance companies often try to cover the bare minimum, without thinking about the long-term impact. So, working with a lawyer can help make sure your child’s needs—both now and later—are taken seriously. That’s what our team can do by:
- Explaining your child’s legal options and rights
- Gathering evidence and information
- Looking into the accident and figuring out who’s responsible
- Negotiating with insurance companies
- Being ready to go to court if it comes to that
Your focus should be on your child’s recovery, not arguing with insurance adjusters. Having our team gives your family space to get better while someone else makes sure the financial side of things is handled.
What Information Can Help My Child’s Injury Claim?
It might seem a little cold, but when your child is hurt, a potential injury claim is going to be an important part of their recovery. And you want that to be as strong as possible, which takes certain pieces of information like:
- Accident reports – Police, school, or daycare write-ups give an outside account of what happened, backing up your story.
- Medical records – ER notes, tests, and therapy visits show the full timeline of your child’s care and recovery.
- Your own notes – Track day-to-day changes—missed school, sleep issues, anxiety, or new challenges at home.
- Receipts and expenses – Save bills and hidden costs like gas, supplies, or missed work time to show the financial impact of what you and your child are going through to keep up with the injuries.
- Witness information – Write down names and contacts of anyone who saw the accident.
You don’t have to do it all at once, and you don’t have to do it perfectly. Think of it as gathering puzzle pieces that, when put together, tell the full story of what your child has been through. Even if you can’t collect everything, don’t worry. Part of our job is helping you fill in the gaps and build the strongest claim possible.
How Does a Child Injury Claim Work in California?
When an adult is hurt, filing a personal injury claim is pretty simple—they speak for themselves. But when it’s a child, things work a little differently. As a parent or guardian, you’re the one who steps in to handle the claim on their behalf. From there, the case usually moves through two main stages:
- Insurance claims – Most claims begin by filing with insurance out of court. We negotiate directly with adjusters to make sure your child’s needs are fully accounted for, not just the immediate medical bills.
- Lawsuits – If the insurance company won’t be reasonable, the next step is filing a lawsuit. While this can take longer, it also creates pressure for the other side to settle fairly–or go all the way to trial with a jury.
In either claim, the top priority is to get financial support for your child’s injuries and what they’re going through (and will continue to face.) Here’s typically what can be recovered with a strong claim:
- Medical expenses (past, current, and future care)
- Lost parental income from missed work
- Replacement for damaged property (clothing, glasses, bikes, etc.)
- Pain and suffering your child has endured
- Emotional distress or behavioral changes caused by the trauma
- Loss of enjoyment of life when your child can’t do activities they once loved
- In the most tragic cases, when a child’s life is lost, families can also pursue funeral costs and other related damages.
California’s general statute of limitations for injury claims is two years. But when the injured person is a child, the deadline doesn’t start until they turn 18. Even so, waiting isn’t a good idea. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget details, and insurance companies rarely wait around. Acting early gives your child’s claim the strongest foundation–and makes it easier to figure out who has to pay for the damages.
Who Pays For My Child’s Damages in an Injury Claim?
When your child gets hurt, your first instinct is just to make sure they’re okay. But then reality sets in—medical bills, therapy, time off work, school adjustments—and you start asking yourself: who’s going to cover all of this? Thankfully, the law makes this pretty easy–if someone’s carelessness (negligence) caused the injury, they have to pay for your child’s damages. That could be:
- A driver who was speeding, texting, or under the influence.
- A property owner who didn’t fix hazards or warn anyone about them.
- A school or daycare that wasn’t paying close enough attention.
- A business that ignored unsafe conditions like spills, broken railings, or faulty equipment.
- A manufacturer that sold a defective toy, bike, or sports product.
- Even the city government if poorly maintained sidewalks, crosswalks, or playgrounds played a role.
The idea is simple: everyone has a responsibility to act reasonably and keep kids safe. When someone fails at that, and your child is hurt as a result, they may have to pay for the damages. That’s why filing a claim on your child’s behalf is about more than just financial support—it’s about making sure the person or organization responsible takes responsibility, so your family doesn’t carry the burden alone–and accidents hopefully don’t happen again.
What Can Cause My Child to Be Injured in Redding?
Kids are curious and full of energy—which makes them fun, but also more likely to get hurt in an accident. That’s scary to think about, but understanding more common accident scenarios can help:
- Car accidents – Kids can be injured as passengers, while they’re walking, or riding their bike near busy streets like East Avenue or Cypress Avenue. A distracted driver or speeding car can cause serious harm.
- Playgrounds and parks – Favorite spots like Caldwell Park or Enterprise Park can be risky if equipment is worn or supervision is limited. Falls from swings, slides, or climbing structures happen quickly.
- School and daycare accidents – Even careful teachers and caregivers can’t prevent every injury. Falls, rough play, or unsafe conditions can all lead to accidents.
- Slip-and-fall incidents – Wet floors, broken sidewalks, or uneven surfaces at stores, schools, or apartments can trip up kids just like adults.
- Dog bites – Even friendly dogs can bite if startled or unsupervised, whether at parks, neighbors’ yards, or home.
- Defective products – Toys, bikes, or sports gear that break or malfunction can cause serious injuries, even during normal play.
No matter what happens, the outcome–your child being hurt–is going to have both short and long term impacts. That’s why the legal process is in place, but it’s also why it’s important to have the right support and guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I file a claim if my child was partly at fault?
Yes. California’s comparative negligence rules allow claims even if your child shares some responsibility. The amount is just reduced by their percentage of fault.
What if the accident happened at school or daycare?
You may still be able to file a claim. Schools and daycares carry insurance and have a duty to keep children safe.
What if it happened on a friend or family member’s property?
Claims can still move forward in these situations, usually through the property owner’s insurance—not directly out of their pocket.
Get Help For Your Child’s Injuries in Redding
When your child is hurt, the stress can feel overwhelming. Not only do you have to deal with your child’s physical injuries, but the financial and emotional impact that comes along with them. And that can last for a long time. Our team of Redding child accident lawyers at Maison Law understands what you’re going through and can help. Reach out today for a free consultation and let us guide your family through this process.
