Getting the call that your precious baby – little or teenager – has gotten into a spot of trouble where they have either been injured or have injured others is never something you are prepared for or even want to think about.
But it can happen, especially in this TikTok era with its viral and often dangerous challenges! From kids filming themselves on top of trucks to playing around with dangerous stunts or harming themselves because of AI. While there is nothing that can take the trauma and pain away – there are ways to get compensation or protect your child and yourself from what is most likely going to be a grueling process filled with insurance, medical bills – and other such things. And that is doing stuff like playing detective and getting someone like personal injury lawyer in Puyallup on your side. Let’s dive a little deeper.
Make Sure They Get Medical Help (And Document It)
Before anything else – make sure your child gets some medical attention to make sure nothing is broken or gravely injured. Then – once you know they are okay – go to town to collect all the documents that have anything to do with their injuries – trust us – those might come in clutch later!
Put Your Sherlock Holmes Hat on and Get as Many Witnesses and Documents as Possible
Now you know they are physically okay –it’s time to get your detective hat on and figure out what happened. Children and teens can be cagey for fear of getting into trouble. So you may have to use your knowledge of your child as a parent plus your “parent spidey senses” and some poking and prodding to make sure you are going into the next steps with all the necessary information! And if you know of any witnesses who were around when the incident happened talk to them and get all the information you can. As well as getting some pictures and contact information that might help.
Get A Lawyer
Once you have the necessary information, you can begin to talk about bringing a lawsuit. This is an area where you want a lawyer on your side. An attorney can help you navigate the complicated waters of a personal injury claim. They can help make sure your child’s rights are protected.
What To Look For in said Lawyer
When selecting a lawyer, keep these five key qualities in mind:
- Experience: You want a lawyer with experience in personal injury cases. Even more so, you want a lawyer with experience handling cases involving children. This will help the outcome of your case.
- Reputation: Research the lawyers you want to talk to. You can find out a lot about them by looking online. Look for reviews, too.
- Communication skills: You want to hire an attorney who can communicate. They should respond to you promptly. You want someone who will keep you updated on your case.
- Compassion: Your child has suffered an injury. A good lawyer will care about them. They want to do what is best for your child.
- Fee structure: How much is this going to cost? Ask your lawyer how they charge. Many personal injury lawyers work on a contingency basis. This means they only get paid if you get a settlement.
Talk To Insurance
When you have an attorney, it is time to get in touch with your insurance company. You should let them know about your child’s accident and provide copies of any documents you have. You should also be prepared to provide important information and details about the injury. Insurance companies are nifty and would love nothing more than to pay you as little as they possibly can. So be weary of that.
Impress Upon Your Child The Importance of Being Mum on The Case
Remind your child to say nothing about the situation. This includes to other friends and peers and making statements on social media. Comments that become public information could get in the way of a successful case or put the client at risk of losing in court at a later date. Also, teach your child to be patient and allow the matter to take its course.
Dealing With An Injury Case That Involves Your Child
Dealing with your child being in pain or being the cause of it is never easy – but it does happen. And when you know what to do you can at least alleviate some of the pressure and even come out at the end of it all with some compensation especially if you have someone like Van Law by your side!
