No parent or guardian wants to imagine their child getting seriously hurt under any circumstances, let alone because of another adult’s reckless or careless conduct. Unfortunately, this scenario plays out every day across Missouri, sometimes resulting in life-altering and life-threatening harm to innocent children.
After tragedy strikes your family, let a dedicated attorney help you fight for justice. A St. Louis child injury lawyer at OnderLaw will be both on your side and by your side throughout the process of holding the wrongdoers accountable. Our legal team will not rest until we get the compensation your child deserves for the harm they should have never experienced. We are proud of our decades-long commitment to standing by our clients when they need it most.
If an adult gets hurt in an accident caused by another adult’s misconduct, the injured person can generally file suit against whoever is responsible for causing their injuries. Through a lawsuit, they can demand compensation for the losses they have suffered and will suffer due to the accident. Minor children, however, cannot represent themselves in court. The court may assign a guardian ad litem—usually but not always the child’s parent(s) or guardian(s)—to file suit on the child’s behalf.
The guardian ad litem can demand restitution for any past and future losses the child will suffer due to their injuries, including:
A guardian ad litem can sometimes file suit for an injured child when an adult injured under the same circumstances would not have grounds for a claim—for instance, if a young child is drawn into trespassing on private property by an unsecured attractive nuisance such as construction equipment or a swimming pool.
As our St. Louis attorneys can explain, there are also unique filing deadlines for child injury claims. Parents should consult a lawyer to learn their rights in pursuing an injury claim for their child.
State law imposes rules on settlement agreements for injured minors. A court must get involved and approve proposed settlements above a certain amount—this threshold was recently changed in Missouri. An injured child’s parent(s) or guardian(s) can generally accept settlements under $35,000 without court intervention. There are also some restrictions on how money obtained through a settlement must be stored and whether it must be placed in a Uniform Transfer to Minor Account (UTMA).
The experienced lawyers at our firm can further explain these rules to St. Louis families involved in child injury cases. We handle every aspect of our clients’ cases and ensure that family members feel informed and empowered throughout the legal process.
In the immediate aftermath of an accident affecting your child, you may be devastated, angry, and unsure of what to do. You want to do everything you can to take care of your child while holding the wrongdoer accountable for the harm they caused. Legal action can help you accomplish these goals and give you and your family a sense of justice after a tragedy.
Speaking with a St. Louis child injury lawyer can offer clarity and confidence in pursuing a claim. At OnderLaw, our compassionate attorneys are ready to take up your cause and provide the tireless support your family needs. Call us today to discuss your situation.
