San Diego Child Injury Lawyer

Children are among the most vulnerable members of society, and when they suffer serious injuries due to negligence, the consequences can be devastating. Whether caused by car accidents, unsafe premises, defective products, or medical malpractice, childhood injuries often result in long-term physical, emotional, and financial hardships for both the child and their family.

If your child has been injured due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, future care needs, and other damages. A San Diego child injury lawyer can help you hold the responsible parties accountable and secure the financial support your child needs for recovery.

Common Causes of Child Injuries

Children can suffer serious injuries in a variety of settings, often due to negligence or unsafe conditions. Some of the most common causes of child injuries include:

Motor Vehicle Accidents

  • Car accidents caused by reckless, distracted, or impaired drivers
  • Bicycle and pedestrian accidents due to driver inattention
  • School bus accidents due to negligent operation or lack of supervision

Daycare and School Negligence

  • Lack of proper supervision leading to accidents
  • Unsafe playground equipment or poorly maintained facilities
  • Physical abuse or neglect by caregivers or teachers

Defective Products and Toys

  • Unsafe toys, cribs, car seats, and high chairs that pose choking or injury risks
  • Defective children’s medications or medical devices
  • Poorly designed sports equipment that fails to protect children from injury

Medical Malpractice

  • Birth injuries due to negligent prenatal care or delivery errors
  • Failure to diagnose or misdiagnosis of serious childhood illnesses
  • Surgical errors or incorrect medication dosages

Dog Bites and Animal Attacks

  • Children are more likely to be seriously injured in dog attacks
  • Injuries can include deep lacerations, nerve damage, and psychological trauma

Drowning and Swimming Pool Accidents

  • Lack of proper fencing or lifeguard supervision
  • Slip-and-fall hazards near pools due to improper maintenance
  • Negligent caretakers at public pools, hotels, or daycare centers

Slip and Fall Accidents

  • Dangerous sidewalks, playgrounds, or store floors
  • Unsecured balconies, stairs, or escalators
  • Slippery surfaces in restaurants, malls, or amusement parks

If your child was injured in any of these circumstances, a San Diego child injury lawyer can help you determine who is responsible and seek justice on your behalf.

Common Injuries in Child Injury Cases

Because children’s bodies are still developing, injuries can have lifelong effects. Some of the most common child injuries include:

  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) – Caused by falls, car accidents, or blunt-force trauma
  • Spinal cord injuries – Resulting in paralysis or chronic pain
  • Broken bones and fractures – Common in playground, sports, and traffic accidents
  • Burn injuries – From defective appliances, house fires, or scalding liquids
  • Choking injuries – From defective toys or improperly labeled food products
  • Amputations – Caused by unsafe machinery or defective products
  • Psychological trauma – Emotional distress caused by abuse, neglect, or serious accidents

A San Diego child injury lawyer will assess the full impact of the injury, ensuring your child’s short-term and long-term needs are accounted for in any legal claim.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Child Injury?

Depending on the circumstances of the injury, multiple parties may be held responsible, including:

  • Negligent drivers in car or pedestrian accidents
  • Daycare centers, schools, and caregivers for failing to supervise or protect children
  • Manufacturers of defective products, car seats, or medical devices
  • Property owners and landlords for unsafe conditions leading to injury
  • Dog owners for failing to control their animals
  • Hospitals and medical providers for medical malpractice and birth injuries

A San Diego child injury lawyer will investigate the accident, identify all responsible parties, and pursue maximum compensation for your child’s injuries.

Compensation Available in a Child Injury Lawsuit

Families of injured children may be entitled to significant compensation to cover their child’s past, present, and future needs. Possible damages include:

Economic Damages

  • Medical expenses, including emergency care, surgeries, rehabilitation, and therapy
  • Future medical costs for ongoing treatment and specialized care
  • Home modifications to accommodate long-term disabilities
  • Lost wages for parents who must take time off to care for their injured child

Non-Economic Damages

  • Pain and suffering endured by the child
  • Emotional distress and psychological trauma
  • Loss of enjoyment of life due to permanent disabilities or scarring
  • Loss of companionship if the injury leads to a diminished quality of life

Punitive Damages

In cases of gross negligence or intentional harm, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the responsible party and prevent future misconduct.

A San Diego child injury lawyer will work tirelessly to secure the full and fair compensation your child deserves.

How a San Diego Child Injury Lawyer Can Help

Filing a child injury lawsuit requires legal expertise and a compassionate approach. A San Diego child injury lawyer can:

  • Investigate the cause of your child’s injury and gather evidence
  • Work with pediatric medical experts to assess long-term effects
  • Negotiate with insurance companies to obtain a fair settlement
  • File lawsuits against negligent parties, including schools, daycare centers, or manufacturers
  • Represent you in court if a fair settlement cannot be reached

With a skilled attorney handling the legal process, you can focus on your child’s recovery while we fight for justice on your behalf.

California’s Statute of Limitations for Child Injury Claims

California law provides special rules for child injury claims, including:

  • Two years from the date of injury for personal injury claims (unless the child is under 18, in which case the statute may be extended)
  • Three years for medical malpractice claims
  • Six months for claims against government entities, such as public schools

Because legal deadlines vary, it’s essential to consult with a San Diego child injury lawyer as soon as possible.

Recent Child Injury Settlements in California

Several high-profile child injury cases in California have resulted in multi-million-dollar settlements, including:

  • $15.3 million for a birth injury caused by medical negligence
  • $10.8 million for a child injured by a defective car seat
  • $7.5 million for a daycare negligence case resulting in a traumatic brain injury

These cases demonstrate the importance of legal action in securing justice and fair compensation for injured children.

Why Choose The Law Office of Melinda J. Helbock?

At The Law Office of Melinda J. Helbock, we are dedicated to helping injured children and their families recover compensation and secure their future. We offer:

  • Decades of experience handling child injury and personal injury claims
  • Access to top pediatric medical and accident reconstruction experts
  • A compassionate, client-first approach to ease the legal burden on families
  • Aggressive legal representation to fight for the highest possible compensation

Contact a San Diego Child Injury Lawyer Today

If your child has been injured due to someone else’s negligence, you deserve justice and financial security for your family. A San Diego child injury lawyer can help you hold negligent parties accountable and fight for your child’s rights.

Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us help you get the compensation your child deserves.

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