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Long Beach Child Injury Lawyer

Compassionate Legal Help for Long Beach Families After a Child Injury

If you are reading this page, odds are your child has been hurt in an accident not of their own doing. You probably have many questions and even more concerns; but more than anything you want your child to heal in peace and continue to enjoy their life free from pain. The Long Beach child injury attorneys at The Law Firm of Joseph H. Low IV understand this and we wish to help. It is our job to help you secure the kind of compensation you'll need for their speedy recovery. As parents, we believe that the quality of a society can be judged on how it treats its children - and as litigators we believe it is our job to help you protect yours.

There can be no greater pain than the one your child endures. It is insufferable and those responsible need to be held accountable for actions that resulted in the serious injury or death of a child. The Law Firm of Joseph H. Low IV is ready to stand at your side and fight for the justice your child deserves. Don't let those who inflicted these damages on your loved one walk away while you carry the weight of the world. Let us help - call our office today at (562) 901-0840.

Who Is Responsible for My Child's Injuries in Long Beach?

In order to establish who is responsible for your loved one's wounds, your attorney must first prove who the negligent party was. This obviously can happen in a multitude of ways, with each situation being entirely unique to the people and places involved. So, of the more common locations and issues that we have witnessed include:

Schools - If there is one location that children end up with the most scrapes, bumps or bruises it would most definitely be schools. However, if these injuries are the result of the school's failure to maintain a safe environment for your child, the school could be liable for damages. Reasons could stem from faulty equipment, bullying, treacherous playground layout or sets, slip-and-fall prone stairwells and toxic fumes.

Vehicles - Accidents with or in moving vehicles are considered the number one source of injury for minors in America; whether behind the wheel, riding in a bus or walking to a friend's house - negligent drivers tend to be the biggest threat. Because of the disparity between a large moving object and a child, damages also tend to be much more severe, if not fatal. Liable drivers are often found guilty of texting, drinking or being distracted while driving, but far more reasons exist than we can list here.

Products - In some cases, a child could be victimized without ever leaving the safety of home. While consumer watch dogs and regulatory commissions keep a keen eye on the various toy manufacturers and product makers currently operating in the market today, they can't be everywhere at once. Faulty goods and shoddy equipment can account for a good number of injuries that children sustain each year, with the manufacturers being wholly responsible for the damages that are sustained. These defects can range from short circuiting electronic hardware to lead-laced sports equipment made overseas.

Daycares - Parents should always be aware of the liability policies of the daycare their child attends in case of an accident. Most daycares are required to have insurance, but the amount of coverage may vary depending on the daycare. The facility is not always liable in injury cases. For example, the daycare will not be held liable if the injury was caused by something out of the daycare's control, such as a slip and fall on a wet floor. However, if the injury was caused by something the daycare should have been aware of, such as a loose railing on a playground, the daycare could be held liable. Parents must investigate the cause of their child’s injury and determine whether or not the daycare could have prevented it.

Dog Bites - There are several factors to consider when determining liability in a dog bite case. Generally, the owner of the dog will be held liable if the victim can prove that the owner knew or should have known that the dog was dangerous and did not take reasonable steps to prevent the attack. However, in some cases, the victim may also be able to sue for negligence if the attack could have been reasonably prevented with proper safety measures in place. For example, if the victim was a child and the dog was not properly fenced-in or supervised, the owner may be liable.

Babysitting Liability

Babysitters certainly assume a level of liability while on the job. If a child is left unattended, for example, the babysitter may be held accountable for any preventable injuries that happen during that time. This is especially true if the babysitter is paid, as they are then considered a professional childcare provider.

How Are Children’s Injuries Different From Adults’?

Adults and children are vastly different medically, and the law attempts to address this. What makes them so different?

Child Vulnerability. Children are more susceptible to injury than adults. This is because they are smaller, with thinner skin and softer bones. They usually have weaker immune systems as well and are more likely to get an infection when injured.

Child Helplessness. A child cannot make adult decisions, especially during an emergency. All medical decisions for children must be made by adults as required by law.

Mental Anguish. Children have delicate psyches and process scenarios differently than adults do. A traumatic situation can remain with a child for years and could even require therapy and medication to treat.

What Should I Do Next?

If your child has been injured due to the negligence of another party, you can take a few steps to ensure that your family receives the compensation it deserves. First, you should take the injured child to a doctor or hospital to get a complete evaluation of their injuries. Next, take photographs of the scene and the injuries as well as statements from any witnesses. Once you have documented the extent of the injuries, you should contact a Long Beach child injury lawyer to discuss your legal options. If you decide to pursue a personal injury claim, the lawyer will work with you to gather evidence and build a strong case. Once the case is ready, your lawyer will negotiate with the other party's insurance company to try to reach a fair settlement. If a settlement can't be reached, the case will go to trial, and the lawyer will fight for you in court.

As mentioned earlier, as a parent of an injured child, you probably have many questions. It is in your best interest to contact an experienced Long Beach personal injury lawyer today and get the answers you seek. Call The Law Firm of Joseph H. Low IV at (562) 901-0840 to discuss your options.

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"Joseph, Thank you for your assistance. Your understanding compassion & incredible expertise are admired & appreciated. I will be referring any of my clients who require legal help to you."
- M.D.