While child unintentional injury death rates went down 11% in the last nine years, injury remained the top cause of death for American children and teens.
If you think someone else is to blame for your child’s injury, seeking legal counsel from an experienced child injury lawyer is crucial. These lawyers know the law and can help protect your child’s rights and ensure they get the compensation they deserve. But with so many child injury attorneys out there, how do you find the right one for your case?
Making an informed decision can seem daunting. This guide will help you find the right child injury lawyer to help you and your family through one of the hardest times in your life.
Specialization
Many lawyers specialize in personal injury law. However, not all of these lawyers handle child injury cases. Some lawyers may focus on other types of personal injury cases, such as car accidents or slip-and-fall accidents.
Before choosing a lawyer and their firm, it’s essential to conduct thorough research. Opt for a legal professional who specializes in child injury law and has considerable experience in this particular area. Such specialization guarantees that the lawyer possesses the necessary expertise to effectively manage the distinct case challenges related to children.
Experience
Child injuries can occur in different contexts. These include at school or daycare, in car accidents, or due to a defective product. Each context brings its own legal considerations, applicable laws, and responsible parties. This makes child injury cases diverse and complex.
Choose a lawyer who has experience handling these types of cases. Ask the lawyer how many years they have been practicing law and how many child injury cases they have handled. The more cases they have handled, the better they will be at tackling any legal challenges you may face when seeking justice for your child.
While many cases settle out of court, it’s crucial to have a lawyer with trial experience. If your case goes to trial, you’ll want a lawyer who is skilled and confident in a courtroom setting. A lawyer’s experience counts in child injury cases.
Track Record
Ask the lawyer about their track record of success in child injury cases. Have they won cases similar to yours? What is their average settlement amount?
Checking their track record in handling similar cases and their success rate can help you assess their ability to:
- Assess the strength of your injury claim
- Develop a winning strategy
A lawyer with a proven track record is more likely to have the skills and experience necessary to navigate the complexities of child injury law and achieve a favorable outcome for your child.
Compassion
Child injury cases can be emotionally taxing and traumatic for families. Choosing a lawyer who is compassionate and understanding helps. The lawyer should be able to connect with you and your child and build a strong relationship of trust. This will make you feel more comfortable and confident in the lawyer’s representation.
Compassionate lawyers are passionate about protecting the rights of injured children. They will fight for your child, ensuring they get the compensation and care they deserve.
Communication
Child injury cases involve complicated laws and terms. A lawyer who can explain things clearly can help you understand your case and the legal process. They should also keep you updated on the progress of your case. Their main goal should be to provide you with all the information you need to make informed decisions regarding your case.
If your child’s injury has long-term implications, you may be working with your lawyer for an extended period. Good communication is key to maintaining a positive, long-term professional relationship.
It ensures that you are fully aware of your options, the potential outcomes, and any risks involved. It also increases your confidence in a lawyer’s ability to handle your case.
Fees
A crucial aspect of selecting a child injury lawyer is determining how to pay for their services. Most child injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means that you don’t have to pay lawyer fees upfront.
Instead, they will take a percentage of your settlement if they win your case. If they don’t win, you don’t have to pay them anything. Be sure to ask the lawyer about their fees before you hire them.
If they agree to take on your case on a contingency fee basis, this might reflect their confidence in their ability to win your case. This is a good sign. Ensure you are clear about any potential costs you may incur.
Professional Network
Good child injury lawyers aren’t solo riders-they work with others to deliver favorable outcomes for their clients. Evaluate whether the lawyer has the necessary resources and network, including medical professionals, investigators, and expert witnesses, to build a strong case. For example, they may need medical witnesses to prove a connection between medical negligence and a birth injury.
Take advantage of a free initial consultation, if offered, to ask the lawyer about their professional connections and how they can help with your case.
Comfort Level and Trust
While different factors such as a lawyer’s specialization, experience, professionalism, empathy, and fees are crucial, trust your gut feeling.
Attorneys handling child injury cases must adhere to strict ethical standards, balancing the need to advocate for the best interests of the child while respecting the family’s wishes and the child’s privacy.
Ultimately, it’s important that you feel comfortable with your lawyer and trust their ability to handle your child’s case in the best way possible. This means working with a lawyer whose professional values align with your personal values.
Talk to a Compassionate Child Injury Lawyer Today
Not all child injury attorneys are the same. Finding the right one can make a world of difference to your case. The right child injury lawyer should not just be experienced in child injury cases but also empathetic toward your child and family.
At The Law Offices of Gerald J. Noonan, we treat our clients like family. We understand that fighting for your child’s rights is important to you, and we’re here to help. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today to discuss how we can help you.